Edo Guber Polls: Activists Petition INEC, Request REC Transfer

Edo Guber Polls: Activists Petition INEC, Request REC Transfer

the immediate transfer of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, in a petition sent to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

In a statement issued by the group’s Country Director, Mr. John Mayaki, the coalition expressed concerns over Onuoha’s appointment, citing his close ties to Governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The petition raised alarm over potential bias, as Wike, in a recent interview with Channels Television, confirmed that Onuoha is his first cousin.

According to the coalition, Onuoha’s political connections and history of participating in partisan activities alongside Governor Wike present a serious conflict of interest. The group fears that his role as REC threatens the integrity of upcoming elections in Edo State. They warned that the credibility of the electoral process is at stake, urging INEC to transfer Onuoha and replace him with a neutral official.

The coalition emphasized that failure to act could lead to a loss of public trust in the electoral system, which could, in turn, trigger unrest. They called on INEC to prioritize electoral integrity, warning that the eyes of the world, as well as the citizens of Edo State, are watching closely.