…Says designated party officials duly returned him as candidate for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency
The candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Chief Santus Ofana, has reaffirmed his victory at the party’s recently concluded primary election, urging party faithful, supporters and members of the public to disregard what he described as misleading reports aimed at creating confusion over the outcome of the exercise.
Addressing journalists during a press conference, Chief Ofana stated that the primary election was conducted by duly accredited officials appointed by the National Secretariat of the NDC and that the results announced by those officials remain valid and binding on the party.
According to him, all designated officials assigned by the party leadership to conduct and return the results of the primaries in Cross River State discharged their responsibilities in line with the party’s guidelines and procedures.
“I wish to clear the air and set the record straight regarding the outcome of the NDC primary election for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency,” Chief Ofana said.
“The primary election was conducted by officials duly appointed and authorised by the National Secretariat of our great party. These officials were delegated with the responsibility of conducting the exercise and declaring the results. At the conclusion of the process, I emerged with the majority of votes and was duly returned as the party’s candidate for the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency election.”
He maintained that anyone seeking clarification on the outcome of the primary election could verify the results directly from the designated officials and the appropriate organs of the party.
“The facts are clear and verifiable. The officials who conducted the election announced the results, and those results speak for themselves. I encourage anyone in doubt to contact the party leadership and the designated returning officers for confirmation,” he stated.
Chief Ofana condemned the circulation of what he described as fake reports and misinformation intended to mislead the public and undermine the democratic process within the party.
“Unfortunately, some individuals are spreading falsehoods and fake news in an attempt to deceive members of the public. I urge our supporters and the good people of Ogoja and Yala not to be distracted by such actions. These efforts cannot alter the outcome of a transparent and duly conducted primary election,” he said.
The NDC flag bearer expressed appreciation to party delegates, stakeholders and supporters for the confidence reposed in him and reiterated his commitment to leading the party to victory in the forthcoming general election.
“We remain focused on the bigger task ahead. Our attention is now on the general election, and we are confident that with the support of our people, the NDC will record a resounding victory. We are united, determined and ready to offer quality representation to the people of Ogoja and Yala,” he added.
It will be recalled that Chief Santus Ofana, a renowned agro-industrialist and founder of the popular Ogoja Rice brand, was recently declared winner of the NDC primary election for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency after polling the highest number of votes across Ogoja and Yala Local Government Areas.
The primary election was conducted by officials appointed by the party, including Raymond Ayim and Udey Patrick Murphy for Ogoja Local Government Area, as well as Oko Francis Ogar and Thomas Odey Otunu for Yala Local Government Area, who subsequently collated and announced the results.
According to the official figures released at the end of the exercise, Chief Ofana secured a total of 395 votes to emerge victorious ahead of five other aspirants, thereby earning the mandate to fly the NDC flag in the forthcoming House of Representatives election for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency.
It is believed that Chief Ofana’s emphatic victory at the primary election has further strengthened his position as one of the leading contenders in the race for the federal constituency seat.
