The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed calls from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remove the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Anugbum Onuoha, ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election.
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Both Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and the PDP leadership have raised concerns about Onuoha’s ties to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, suggesting that this connection could compromise the election in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP’s Edo State Chairman, Anthony Aziegbemhin, formally escalated the issue by submitting a protest letter to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, asking for Onuoha’s immediate redeployment.
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The letter highlighted Onuoha’s previous role as Commissioner and Special Adviser under Wike’s administration when he was Rivers State governor, as well as their familial relationship.
Wike, during a televised interview, acknowledged the family link but defended Onuoha’s ability to carry out his duties impartially.
INEC, however, firmly rejected the PDP’s request, stating that the election would be managed transparently and according to the law.
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Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, responded by urging the PDP to focus on the electoral process rather than the REC.
He emphasized that the election results would be declared at polling units by Presiding Officers in the presence of party agents and observers.
Oyekanmi reassured the public that INEC would ensure a level playing field for all candidates.
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INEC also reiterated that it does not rig elections, citing its successful handling of previous governorship elections in Edo State in 2016 and 2020.
The commission promised to conduct a transparent election, with results visible on the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal for public accountability.
Meanwhile, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has called for calm ahead of the election.
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IPAC National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle urged stakeholders to view the election as a democratic process, not as a battleground, and to prioritize peace and fairness during the exercise.
