The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared Barrister Bright Emeka Ngene of the Labour Party (LP) as the winner of the Enugu South 1 State Constituency rerun election, held on August 19, 2025. This announcement marks the conclusion of a prolonged electoral impasse that saw multiple failed attempts to conduct the court-ordered poll.
Ngene secured victory with a margin of over 3,000 votes against his closest rival, Sam Ngene of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), according to INEC’s statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
However, the declaration comes amid controversy, as Bright Ngene is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence at Enugu Correctional Facility. His incarceration stems from a July 2024 conviction related to a long-standing communal development fund scandal dating back to 2017.
Despite his legal circumstances, Ngene’s candidacy remained valid under Nigerian electoral law, which does not automatically disqualify individuals from contesting elections unless their conviction is upheld by a higher court and relates to specific disqualifying offenses.
INEC emphasized its commitment to upholding the rule of law and the integrity of the electoral process, stating: “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.”
The Commission also announced that Certificates of Return will be presented to elected candidates on August 21 and 22, 2025, in accordance with Section 72(1) of the Electoral Act 2022.