We won’t remove Wike’s cousin as Edo REC – INEC replies PDP
INEC has stated that it will not comply with PDP's request to move the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Anugbum Onuoha.
Onuoha's connection with the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, has caused controversy.
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and Wike's relationship soured when Wike backed his re-election bid following his switch to the PDP.
The governor and the PDP's national leadership are concerned that Onuoha could sway the election in favor of the APC.
Anthony Aziegbemhin, the PDP chairman in Edo State, has sent a formal protest letter to Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC Chairman, requesting the immediate redeployment of Onuoha.
The letter read in part, “The ties between these two are too close to ignore as they share familiarities and are also close associates.
“The said Edo REC is a cousin to the Minister of the FCT, Mr. Wike. He also served as a former Commissioner and Special Adviser for Lands, Survey, and Housing to Mr Wike during his tenure as Rivers governor.”
Responding, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, emphatically said that the REC would not be redeployed, urging the PDP to focus on the process of the election rather than Onuoha.
“The REC for Edo State will not be redeployed. The governorship election will be conducted on September 21, 2024 in 4,519 polling units, not in the REC’s office.
“In the same manner, polling unit results will be declared by the respective Presiding Officers after the voting, ballot sorting and counting processes, in the presence of accredited party agents and other stakeholders.”
