THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared a prison inmate, Bright Ngene of the Labour Party (LP), winner of the Enugu South 1 State Constituency rerun election held on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
News Point Nigeria reports that Ngene, a legal practitioner by profession, is currently serving a jail term at the Enugu Custodial Centre, but that did not stop him from securing victory in the hotly contested legislative rerun.
The declaration of Ngene brings to an end months of political tension, court battles, and repeated attempts to conduct the rerun, which was ordered by the Election Petition Appeal Tribunal.
The rerun itself was marred by disruptions at several polling units, with reports of violence and clashes among supporters of rival political parties. The situation led to a temporary deadlock and heightened political uncertainty in the constituency.
However, in an official update signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information & Voter Education Committee, the commission confirmed that the rerun elections in both Enugu and Kano States had finally been concluded after earlier attempts were stalled by violence and thuggery.
Olumekun stated: “Two re-run elections by order of the Election Petition Appeal Tribunals were held in Enugu and Kano States. 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.”
INEC’s spokesman in Enugu, Rex Achumie, who also oversees voter education in the state, confirmed Ngene’s victory to reporters in Enugu.
Supporters of the Labour Party celebrated the declaration, calling it a victory for democracy and a rejection of intimidation at the polls.
While Ngene’s declaration as winner is legally binding, questions remain over how his incarceration will affect his ability to discharge his duties as a lawmaker.
A constitutional lawyer, Daniel Anugo told News Point Nigeria that the case could set a precedent in Nigeria’s electoral and judicial system, particularly on the eligibility of individuals serving sentences to contest and occupy public office.
Anugo stated that Ngene’s legal team and the Labour Party may soon initiate processes to secure his release or obtain judicial clarifications on his mandate.
For now, however, Bright Ngene despite being behind prison walls has secured a seat at the Enugu State House of Assembly, marking one of the most unusual victories in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
