- Edo PDP To INEC: “Redeploy Wike’s Cousin Now”
- INEC: “We Won’t Do That, Election ‘ll Hold In Polling Units Not REC’s Office”
By kawaekwune Jeffrey
The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are locked in a heated public argument over the deployment of Anugbum Onuoha as the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) ahead of the September 21 governorship election.
The disagreement stems from an alarm raised by the PDP over the purported relationship between Onuoha and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
In a letter addressed to INEC Chairman on August 25, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Edo State PDP Chairman, Anthony Aziegbemhin, called for the immediate redeployment of Onuoha on account of his alleged relationship with Wike.
Aziegbemhin said: “Onuoha’s close relationship with Wike, who has now joined the APC, casts a shadow over his role as REC. We cannot trust that the election will be impartial with him overseeing the process.”
He also raised concerns about Wike’s confirmation of his familial ties to Onuoha during a live television interview.
According to him, “allowing Onuoha to remain in office would undermine the credibility of the election.”
He continued: “This is not just about a family connection. It is about ensuring that the process is transparent and free from undue influence.”
In response, INEC dismissed the allegations and calls as unwarranted and unfounded. The electoral body while refusing to accede to the PDP’s demands said the elections would be fair and credible.
The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, in a statement rejected the call for Onuoha’s redeployment.
He stated: “The REC for Edo State will not be redeployed. The governorship election will be conducted in the 4,519 polling units, not in the REC’s office.”
He further explained that the electoral process would be closely monitored, with results declared at the polling units by the presiding officers and witnessed by accredited party agents.
“Using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), polling unit results will be uploaded directly to the INEC Result Viewing portal, ensuring transparency,” Oyekanmi noted.
