INEC Declares Labour Party’s Bright Ngene Winner of Enugu South Rerun Despite Prison Sentence
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Bright Ngene of the Labour Party as the duly elected member for Enugu South 1 State Constituency following Saturday’s rerun election.
The victory is drawing widespread attention because Ngene is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence at the Enugu Correctional Centre.
According to a statement from Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Ngene polled over 3,000 votes more than his closest rival, Sam Ngene of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to secure the win.
Olumekun stressed that the Commission had simply upheld the will of the people:
“For the Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Enugu State, Ngene Bright Emeka of the Labour Party (LP) was declared the winner. INEC will continue to comply with lawful orders and respect the decision of voters as expressed through the ballot.”
A Troubled Rerun
The rerun election had faced multiple setbacks, including disruptions on August 16, 2025, when polling officials failed to provide sensitive materials such as result sheets. INEC later apologised for the logistical failures, assuring Nigerians that corrective measures had been put in place.
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Background on Ngene’s Conviction
Bright Ngene is serving a seven-year jail term after being convicted in connection with a dispute over a ₦15 million community development fund. Despite his incarceration, his candidacy remained valid pending appeals, and voters in Enugu South reaffirmed their support at the polls.
What Happens Next
INEC announced that Certificates of Return will be presented later this week:
- National Assembly members – Thursday, August 21
- State Assembly members – Friday, August 22
The Commission also pledged to “continuously inform the public on all its activities in the interest of transparency and accountability.”
This development has sparked fresh debate over Nigeria’s electoral laws, the rights of candidates with ongoing convictions, and the future of legislative representation in Enugu State.
