The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) call to remove the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State, Anugbum Onuoha, ahead of the September 21 governorship election. Despite concerns over Onuoha’s relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, INEC maintains that he will not be redeployed.
The PDP, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki and the national leadership, has expressed fears that Onuoha’s connection to the Minister could lead to election manipulation in favor of the All Progressives Congress. However, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, urges the PDP to focus on the election process, not the REC.
“The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State will not be redeployed. The governorship election will be conducted on 21st September 2024 in 4,519 polling units, not in the REC’s office,” Oyekanmi stated. He emphasized that polling unit results will be declared by Presiding Officers, witnessed by accredited party agents, and uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing portal for transparency.
Oyekanmi assured that the commission will provide a level playing field, citing successful governorship elections in Edo State in 2016 and 2020 without accusations of rigging. “INEC does not rig elections. We assure all political parties, registered voters, and stakeholders that we will not give any advantage to one political party or candidate over the other.”
Meanwhile, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called on stakeholders to prioritize peace, equity, and justice, reminding them that the election is not a war but an exercise in democracy to choose leaders promoting good governance, accountability, and development. IPAC’s National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, urged stakeholders to work together to create a conducive environment for credible elections.
In a formal protest letter to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, Edo State PDP Chairman Anthony Aziegbemhin cited concerns over Onuoha’s past role under Minister Wike’s administration as Rivers State governor. Wike acknowledged the familial connection but emphasized Onuoha’s impartiality, saying, “The ties between these two are too close to ignore… The said Edo REC is a cousin to the Minister of the FCT, Mr. Wike.”
The controversy highlights tensions ahead of the Edo State governorship election, with stakeholders divided over the REC’s impartiality and INEC’s ability to conduct a fair election.
