The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly rejected the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) request to redeploy Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State. This decision comes amidst concerns raised by the PDP regarding Onuoha’s alleged close ties with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike.
The PDP’s call for Onuoha’s removal is rooted in the strained relationship between Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and Wike. The fallout between the two former allies, who collaborated during Obaseki’s re-election bid in 2020, has led to fears within the PDP that Onuoha’s position could potentially influence the upcoming election in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Anthony Aziegbemhin, the PDP chairman in Edo State, formally addressed these concerns in a letter to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu. Aziegbemhin highlighted Onuoha’s previous roles as Commissioner and Special Adviser during Wike’s tenure as Rivers State governor, emphasizing the close ties between the two.
In response, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, dismissed the PDP’s request, confirming that Onuoha would remain in his position. Oyekanmi urged the PDP to focus on the election process rather than fixating on Onuoha.
“The REC for Edo State will not be redeployed. The governorship election will be conducted in 4,519 polling units, not in the REC’s office,” Oyekanmi stated. He assured the public that election results would be transparently declared by presiding officers in the presence of accredited party agents and other stakeholders.
This development underscores INEC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, despite the political tensions surrounding the upcoming election.
