INEC Rejects PDP’s Request to Replace Edo Resident Electoral Commissioner Amid Election Tensions

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

The PDP raised concerns about Onuoha’s close familial ties to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who once supported Governor Godwin Obaseki but now holds a ministerial post in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The party fears Onuoha’s connections could influence the election in favor of the APC.

In response, Edo State PDP Chairman, Anthony Aziegbemhin, formally protested to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, requesting Onuoha’s removal. He highlighted Onuoha’s previous roles as a Commissioner and Special Adviser under Wike during his tenure as Rivers State governor, and also noted their familial relationship.

Wike acknowledged the family link but insisted Onuoha would act impartially in his duties.

INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, responded by confirming that Onuoha would remain in his position, asserting that the election results would be determined by polling officers across 4,519 polling units, not by the REC.

Oyekanmi also emphasized INEC’s commitment to transparency through the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to upload polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing portal for public access, ensuring the integrity of the election process.

Despite INEC’s assurances, tensions continue to rise as Governor Obaseki and the PDP have refused to sign the peace accord, with the party vowing to defend their votes.