The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the immediate removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Anugbum Onuaha, accusing him of compromising the integrity of the last governorship election in the state.
Naija News reports that the Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo, Anthony Aziegbemi, made the call on Tuesday during a press conference in Benin City.
“With the forthcoming National Assembly bye-elections, it is clear that Dr. Onuaha’s continued presence as REC poses a direct threat to the credibility and fairness of the polls,” Aziegbemi said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier fixed August 16 for the bye-elections in Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency to fill legislative seats vacated by Senator Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa.
The PDP chairman alleged that during the 2024 gubernatorial election, the REC played “an ignoble role that undermined public trust and tainted the process,” insisting that redeploying him was the only way to restore confidence ahead of the polls.
In addition to the REC’s removal, Aziegbemi demanded that certain Electoral Officers be barred from participating in the upcoming polls.
He said, “We also demand that the EOs who served in Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Etsako West, Etsako East, and Akoko Edo during the last governorship election steer clear of these bye-elections. Their involvement in the irregularities that marred that exercise makes their continued participation unacceptable.”
Reaffirming the party’s principle of “One Man, One Vote,” Aziegbemi urged INEC and security agencies to ensure transparency in the conduct of the elections.
He stated, “We are committed to free and fair elections and will resist any attempt to manipulate the process. We call on voters to stay vigilant and participate fully in selecting PDP candidates who can deliver true democratic dividends.”
Despite recent defections, Aziegbemi said the PDP remained strong at the grassroots level and was confident of winning the bye-elections.
“In line with our constitution and under the guidance of the National Working Committee, we conducted screening, congress, and primaries to select our candidates. The process was transparent and inclusive,” he said.
Prince Joe Okojie emerged as the PDP candidate for Edo Central Senatorial District, while Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi won the party’s ticket for the Ovia Federal Constituency seat.
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