The Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the immediate removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Anugbum Onuaha, ahead of the National Assembly by-elections.
Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, made the plea at a news conference in Benin on Tuesday.
According to Aziegbemi, the REC allegedly acted in a compromised manner during the last governorship election, causing a loss of faith in his neutrality.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, INEC has scheduled bye-elections in the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency on August 16 to fill two legislative seats vacated by Sens. Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa.
According to Aziegbemi, Onuaha’s continuous presence undermines the legitimacy and fairness of the future bye-elections.
He accused the REC of playing an ignoble role in prior polls, undermining the overall integrity of Edo’s democratic process.
The PDP urged Professor Mahmood Yakubu, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, to act quickly in redeploying the REC and restoring public trust in the process.
The party also asked for the dismissal of several electoral officers who served during Edo’s 2024 gubernatorial election.
“We also demand that the EOs who were in Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Etsako West, Etsako East, and Akoko Edo should steer clear of the bye-elections.
“Their involvement in the irregularities that marred the last governorship election makes their participation unacceptable,” he said.
Aziegbemi reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to free and fair elections, citing the motto “One Man, One Vote” as a guiding principle.
The party warned against any attempt to manipulate the outcome and urged INEC and security services to ensure transparent conduct.
Addressing recent defections from the party, Aziegbemi wished them well while remaining confident in the party’s strength and grassroots support.
He emphasised that political processes, like nature, are regulated by natural principles, which inevitably restore balance and fairness.
He asked voters to be watchful, participate completely, and vote for PDP candidates who can bring democratic dividends to the people.
He praised the audience and underlined the party’s unshakeable commitment to upholding democracy in Edo and elsewhere.
Speaking on the party’s preparations for the bye-elections, Aziegbemi claimed that the PDP was optimistic of winning.
“In line with our constitution and under the guidance of the National Working Committee, the party conducted screening, congress, and primaries to select candidates.
“The process was transparent, inclusive, and credible, and it was accepted by a majority of PDP members across the affected constituencies in the state.
“Prince Joe Okojie emerged as the PDP candidate for Edo Central, while Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi won the Ovia Federal constituency ticket,” Aziegbemi said.
