INEC has declared prison inmate, Labour Party’s Bright Ngene as the winner of Enugu rerun election.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Bright Ngene, a prison inmate and candidate of the Labour Party (LP), as the winner of the Enugu South 1 State Constituency rerun election held on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
Ngene, a legal practitioner by profession, is currently serving a jail term at the Enugu Correctional Centre. His victory marks the end of months of controversy surrounding the rerun, which was ordered by the court.
Election Controversy and Resolution
The rerun initially ended in chaos, with disruptions at several polling units that resulted in heated confrontations among supporters of rival parties. The disturbances forced INEC to suspend the process before rescheduling.
In a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information & Voter Education Committee, the electoral body confirmed that the polls have now been concluded peacefully in both Enugu and Kano States where reruns were ordered.
Olumekun stated:
“Two re-run elections by order of the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals were held in Enugu and Kano States. After previous disruptions of the elections in the two States by violence and thuggery, the elections have now been concluded. Declaration and return were made by the Returning Officers. For the Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Enugu State, Ngene Bright Emeka of the Labour Party (LP) was declared winner.”
Confirmation
INEC’s spokesman in Enugu, Rex Achumie, who also oversees voter education in the state, confirmed Ngene’s declaration as the duly elected representative of the constituency.
Ngene’s emergence as winner is expected to stir further political debate, given his current incarceration, even as the Labour Party celebrates the victory.