The Bright Campaign Organisation has dismissed claims that Deacon Festus Osaigbovo Osagie is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency, maintaining that Egharevba Bright Osakpamwan remains the legitimate nominee. According to a statement issued Thursday by spokesman Onyia Harrison, Bright emerged through the party's primary election after fulfilling all requirements, including form purchase, fee payment and document submission. The campaign asserts that Bright's selection reflected the democratic decision of ADC delegates, not appointment or patronage. This position comes after Osagie's name and credentials appeared on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) candidate portal, prompting the campaign to question the legitimacy of the upload. It insists that no internal party process invalidated Bright's candidacy and warns that replacing him would undermine the mandate given by delegates.
The organisation called on ADC's national leadership and key figures — including former Edo State Governor Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Senator Ehigie Uzamere and Prof. Osariemen Osunbor — to release official records and resolutions concerning the primary election and candidate submission. It also urged INEC to clarify how Osagie's details were uploaded despite what it says was a valid nomination process. The campaign affirmed it holds documentary evidence supporting Bright's candidacy, such as payment receipts, completed forms and primary election records. While vowing to pursue all lawful means to protect the outcome, it told supporters to remain calm and nonviolent. The controversy is framed as a test of internal party democracy and adherence to due process within the ADC and electoral framework.
The campaign insists Bright won through delegate votes, yet INEC now lists Osagie — creating a direct conflict between party process and official records. If the documents the campaign claims to possess prove Bright's nomination was certified by ADC's national body, then either INEC acted on incorrect information or the party submitted conflicting data — both of which demand public clarification. This discrepancy places voters in Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode at risk of being misled about who truly represents the ADC in the election.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
