Edo Election: INEC Refuses PDP’s Request to Redeploy REC Amid Controversy

Story Summary:

• INEC Refuses PDP’s Request: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declined the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) demand to redeploy Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State.
• Controversy Surrounds Onuoha: Onuoha’s links to Minister Nyesom Wike have sparked controversy, with fears from Governor Godwin Obaseki and the PDP that Onuoha may favour the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming election.
• INEC Stands Firm: INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, asserts that Onuoha will remain in his role, emphasizing that the focus should be on the electoral process rather than personnel.

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.

DNN Media highlights that Onuoha’s tenure has been marked by controversy due to his connections with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike. This tension has been exacerbated by the strained relationship between Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and Wike, following Wike’s support for Obaseki’s second term bid while still a member of the PDP.

Concerns have been raised by Governor Obaseki and the PDP’s national leadership, who fear that Onuoha may favour the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming elections.

PDP’s Edo State chairman, Anthony Aziegbemhin, has formally protested to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, demanding Onuoha’s immediate redeployment. Aziegbemhin’s letter claims that Onuoha’s close relationship with Wike—who was also his former boss and a cousin—raises significant concerns about impartiality.

However, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, has dismissed these concerns, stating unequivocally that Onuoha will not be redeployed. Oyekanmi urged the PDP to concentrate on the electoral process itself rather than Onuoha’s role.

“The REC for Edo State will remain in position. The governorship election is scheduled for September 21, 2024, across 4,519 polling units, and not within the REC’s office. Results will be declared by Presiding Officers at each polling unit following the voting, sorting, and counting processes, with accredited party agents and other stakeholders present.”