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The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State on Thursday called on Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, to redeploy the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Anugbum Onuoha, over alleged ties with FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, the state Chairman of PDP told newsmen in Benin that the party lacked confidence in the REC’s ability to conduct the election without bias. Aziegbemi also alleged that the recruitment of the Supervising Presiding Officers (SPOs) for the election had been compromised.
A protest letter to the INEC chairman, made available to newsmen during the press conference, reads:
“It is with a deep sense of concern that we bring to the notice of your good office a very disturbing trend that may threaten the credibility of forthcoming Edo governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.
“We believe that, as the umpire in the election, it is in the best interest of INEC to be made aware of unfolding issues and the need to act swiftly to restore the confidence of all parties.
”The matter pertains to the close links between the serving Edo REC, Prof. Anugbum Onuoha and a known partisan opponent of Edo PDP, the former governor of Rivers State and Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike.
“The ties between these two are too close to ignore as not only do they share familiarities but are also close associates. To be clear, the relationship between the two is outlined below:
“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..
“The antecedent between these two, we are not comfortable that the Edo REC will conduct himself creditably before, during and after the election,” he said.
According to Aziegbemi, We are therefore requesting the redeployment of the Edo REC as we are not confident that he would be fair, just and equitable in the conduct of the election.
He also called on the INEC Chairman to investigate the recruitment of the SPOs, adding that most of them were recruited and given fake ministry identity cards
”We hereby demand the removal of these impersonators from the SPOs list,” he said.
According to him, while appreciating your kind consideration and prompt action on this matter Mr Chairman, kindly accept the assurances of our highest esteem.