The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has called for the immediate removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Anugbum Onuaha, over allegations of bias during the last gubernatorial election in the state.
Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo, Anthony Aziegbemi, made the demand during a press conference held on Tuesday 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 stated.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled August 16 for the bye-elections in Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency to fill the vacancies left by Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa.
Aziegbemi alleged that Dr. Onuaha had played “an ignoble role that undermined public trust and tainted the process” during the 2024 gubernatorial election. He insisted that removing the REC was essential to restoring public confidence in INEC and the electoral process ahead of the scheduled bye-elections.
In addition to calling for the REC’s redeployment, Aziegbemi demanded that some Electoral Officers (EOs) who oversaw polling in certain local government areas be excluded from the upcoming elections.
“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,” he said.
Reaffirming the PDP’s commitment to democratic ideals, Aziegbemi urged INEC and security agencies to maintain transparency throughout the electoral process.
“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,” he stated.
Despite recent defections, Aziegbemi expressed confidence in the PDP’s grassroots support and readiness for 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.
Following the party’s primaries, Prince Joe Okojie emerged as the PDP’s candidate for the Edo Central Senatorial District race, while Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi secured the ticket for the Ovia Federal Constituency seat.
