Bright Ngene Wins Enugu South Rerun As INEC Declares Result Despite Prison Term

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Bright Ngene of the Labour Party winner of the Enugu South 1 State Constituency rerun election, despite his ongoing imprisonment.

The announcement was contained in a statement signed by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun. It brings an end to a prolonged electoral crisis following multiple failed attempts to conduct the court-ordered rerun.

Ngene, currently serving a seven-year sentence at Enugu prison over a communal dispute involving a N15 million community development fund, defeated his closest rival, Sam Ngene of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), by over 3,000 votes.

“For the Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Enugu State, Ngene Bright Emeka of the Labour Party (LP) was declared the winner,” Olumekun confirmed.

Reaffirming INEC’s commitment to due process, he added: “INEC will continue to comply with all lawful orders and ensure that the will of the people as expressed through the ballot is respected.”

The rerun election had faced repeated setbacks, including the disruption of voting on August 16, 2025, when polling officials failed to provide sensitive materials such as result sheets. INEC expressed regret over the logistical challenges and assured that corrective measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence.

Certificates of Return will be presented to all elected members this week. According to INEC, National Assembly members will receive theirs on Thursday, August 21, while State Assembly members will be issued certificates on Friday, August 22, 2025.

The Commission further pledged to keep Nigerians updated on its activities in the interest of transparency and accountability.