The latest political news in Edo State now is that the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Anugbum Onuoha, has challenged political parties to present any evidence against his competence. His statement comes in response to allegations of favouritism stemming from his ties with Nyesom Wike, the current FCT Minister and former governor of Rivers State.
Onuoha, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, asserted his ability to conduct a transparent and fair election. He urged political parties to focus on the election process rather than accusations of bias. The election is scheduled to take place on Saturday.
This development follows calls by Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo, who had asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeploy Onuoha, citing concerns over his relationship with Wike. Aziegbemi questioned whether the REC could remain impartial.
However, INEC, through its Chief Press Secretary, Rotomi Oyekanmi, dismissed these concerns, stating that Onuoha would not be redeployed and reaffirming the commission’s confidence in his ability to manage the election process impartially.
Onuoha, an Associate Professor of Law, addressed the issue directly, acknowledging his familial connection to Wike but insisting that it does not impact his ability to serve.
“Yes, I am a cousin to the minister,” Onuoha stated. “But what we should be discussing is my capacity to conduct the election, not personal ties. I have served as an electoral commissioner before, and there have been no complaints about my performance.”
He urged the political parties to present any evidence of wrongdoing. “I challenge all the political parties in Edo State to tell me what I have done wrong so far.”
Regarding preparations for the election, Onuoha confirmed that all necessary measures were in place. Sensitive election materials had been deployed to local government areas, and political parties had been invited to inspect the materials. He assured voters of a credible election process.
Meanwhile, the political atmosphere in Edo has been tense in recent months, with reports of electoral violence. Since January, 95 cases of violence, including 35 incidents related to the election, have been recorded in the state.
The electoral contest has seen heightened political tension, particularly following comments by Wike, who publicly withdrew his support for Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and the PDP’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo. Wike described Obaseki as ungrateful for past support, stating, “I supported him the last time, what happened? I became a stupid man.”
Ighodalo responded, saying the decision on who will succeed Obaseki lies with the people of Edo, not Wike or any other political figure.
With the election fast approaching, all eyes are on how these political tensions will influence the outcome.
