In the wake of recent secondary reports questioning his political standing, Chief Santus Ofana, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, has stepped forward to set the record straight. Addressing a gathering of journalists in Abuja, Chief Ofana firmly reaffirmed his status as the party’s legitimate flag bearer following the recent primary election. He called upon his supporters, party loyalists, and the informed public to disregard any inflammatory or misleading narratives currently circulating, emphasizing that these distortions are merely tactical attempts to sow confusion where there is none. For Ofana, the democratic process was not just a formality, but a clear, verified expression of the party’s will.
At the heart of Chief Ofana’s address was a strong defense of the electoral process itself. He stated categorically that the primary was supervised by officials officially mandated by the NDC National Secretariat to ensure the integrity of the vote. According to the candidate, these designated officials carried out their duties in strict accordance with the party’s internal guidelines and established procedures. He argued that because the mandate for the conduct and return of votes was legally delegated by the party leadership, the results announced by these authorized individuals are both valid and binding. By grounding his argument in the legitimacy of the party’s own administrative structure, Ofana sought to dismiss any ambiguity regarding his candidacy.
Providing clarity for those who might feel uncertain amidst the noise, Chief Ofana encouraged stakeholders to look past rumors and consult the primary sources of truth within the party. He maintained that the figures are not only public record but are also fully verifiable through the appropriate party organs and the specific returning officers who oversaw the exercise in the field. By inviting this level of transparency, he aimed to shift the conversation from speculative hearsay back to the objective reality of the numbers. To him, the results tell their own story, and he remains confident that anyone who takes the time to verify the facts will reach the same conclusion he has—that the process was conclusive and final.
However, the candidate did not shy away from expressing his frustration regarding the “fake news” culture that has permeated the political landscape. He issued a stern condemnation of individuals he believes are deliberately peddling falsehoods to undermine the democratic spirit of the NDC. For a man who has built a reputation as a successful agro-industrialist and the founder of the well-known Ogoja Rice brand, such misinformation strikes at the heart of the trust he seeks to cultivate with his constituents. He urged the people of Ogoja and Yala to remain steadfast, reminding them that intentional, baseless distractions are ineffective against a victory that was secured through a transparent and orderly democratic process.
Looking beyond the current cycle of rumors, Chief Ofana pivoted to a message of unity and forward-thinking. He expressed profound gratitude to the delegates, party stakeholders, and the grassroots supporters who bestowed their confidence upon him. His eyes are now firmly set on the broader prize: the general election. With a firm grasp on the current realities of his campaign, he emphasized that the NDC is entering the next phase of the journey as a cohesive and determined force. By focusing on his vision for the constituency—which includes a plan to offer robust and quality representation—he signaled that his campaign is much more than just a victory in the primaries; it is the beginning of a larger commitment to the people of Cross River State.
Ultimately, the primary results speak to a decisive mandate. Official records confirm that Chief Ofana secured 395 votes, successfully coming out ahead of five other aspirants and earning his official ticket for the House of Representatives. The election was managed by a specific panel of party-appointed officials, including Raymond Ayim, Udey Patrick Murphy, Oko Francis Ogar, and Thomas Odey Otunu, who oversaw the collation across the respective local government areas. With this victory now firmly behind him and the distractions being addressed, Chief Ofana stands as the indisputable candidate of the NDC, ready to translate his primary success into meaningful impact for the people of the Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency.