Chief Santus Ofana, the Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate for the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, has publicly reaffirmed his victory in the party’s recent primary election, dismissing reports questioning the legitimacy of the results as deliberate attempts to sow confusion among party members and the general public.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Ofana emphasized that the primary election was conducted by properly accredited officials appointed directly by the NDC National Secretariat. He insisted that the results announced by these officials remain valid and legally binding on the party, urging supporters and skeptics alike to disregard circulating reports that cast doubt on the election’s outcome.

The candidate stressed that all officials designated by the party leadership to oversee and report the results of the primaries in Cross River State carried out their duties in strict accordance with established party guidelines and procedures. According to Ofana, the electoral process was transparent and followed proper democratic protocols from start to finish.

“I wish to clear the air and set the record straight regarding the outcome of the NDC primary election for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency,” Ofana stated. “The primary election was conducted by officials duly appointed and authorized 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 as the winner with the majority of votes and was duly returned as the party’s candidate.”

Ofana directed anyone seeking clarification on the primary election results to verify the information directly with the designated officials and appropriate party organs. He maintained that the facts surrounding his victory are clear and easily verifiable through official channels, encouraging doubters to contact party leadership and designated returning officers for confirmation.

The candidate strongly condemned what he characterized as the deliberate circulation of fake reports and misinformation designed to mislead the public and undermine the democratic process within the party. He specifically called on residents of Ogoja and Yala to remain focused and avoid being distracted by such misinformation campaigns.

“Unfortunately, some individuals are spreading falsehoods and fake news in an attempt to deceive members of the public,” Ofana said. “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.”

Expressing gratitude to party delegates, stakeholders, and supporters for their confidence in his candidacy, the NDC flag bearer reiterated his commitment to leading the party to victory in the upcoming general election. He emphasized that the party’s focus has now shifted to the broader challenge of winning the federal constituency seat in the House of Representatives 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,” Ofana added.

Chief Ofana, a prominent agro-industrialist and founder of the well-known Ogoja Rice brand, was declared the winner of the NDC primary election after securing the highest number of votes across both Ogoja and Yala Local Government Areas. The primary was overseen 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. These officials were responsible for collating and announcing the official results.

According to the official figures released at the conclusion of the exercise, Chief Ofana secured a commanding total of 395 votes, defeating five other aspirants to earn the mandate to represent the NDC in the forthcoming House of Representatives election for Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency.

Political observers believe that Ofana’s decisive victory at the primary election has significantly strengthened his position as one of the leading contenders in the race for the federal constituency seat. His background as a successful businessman and his association with the locally popular Ogoja Rice brand are seen as potential assets in the upcoming campaign, potentially giving him name recognition and credibility among voters in the constituency.

As the general election approaches, attention will now turn to how Ofana and the NDC position themselves against rival candidates from other political parties competing for the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.