INEC Denies PDP’s Bid To Remove Wike’s Relative As Edo REC Before Gubernatorial Election

INEC Denies PDP’s Bid To Remove Wike’s Relative As Edo REC Before Gubernatorial Election....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) request to reassign Anugbum Onuoha, the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), ahead of the upcoming Edo governorship election scheduled for Saturday, September 21.

The PDP has raised concerns about Onuoha’s connection to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), due to their familial relationship. This issue has fueled controversy, particularly given the strained relations between Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and Wike. Despite Wike’s initial support for Obaseki’s re-election under the PDP, his current role in the All Progressives Congress (APC) has led to fears that Onuoha might skew the election results in favor of the APC.

On Thursday, Anthony Aziegbemhin, the PDP Chairman for Edo State, formally requested INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu to redeploy Onuoha. Aziegbemhin cited Onuoha’s past roles in Wike’s administration, including positions as Commissioner and Special Adviser for Lands, Survey, and Housing, as evidence of undue influence.

In response, Wike acknowledged the familial link but maintained that Onuoha is fully capable of carrying out his duties impartially.

INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, addressed the PDP’s concerns, affirming that Onuoha will remain in his position. He emphasized that the election will be conducted across 4,519 polling units, not influenced by the REC’s office. Oyekanmi highlighted INEC’s commitment to transparency, noting that results will be captured and uploaded in real-time using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to the INEC Result Viewing portal, ensuring public access and oversight.

Oyekanmi also clarified that while the IReV system supports transparency, electronic voting and result transmission are not yet recognized by the Nigerian constitution. Copies of results will be provided to accredited party agents at each polling unit.

As the election approaches, tensions remain high, with Obaseki and the PDP refusing to sign the peace accord. Both Obaseki and PDP Acting Chairman Illiya Damagum have made strong statements about safeguarding their votes, hinting at potential unrest if their concerns are not addressed.

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