“Let Them Tell Me What I Have Done Wrong” – Edo REC Challenges Political Parties Amid Election Allegations

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State, Anugbum Onuoha, has responded to allegations from political parties questioning his impartiality ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election. Onuoha, speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, firmly challenged critics to present any evidence against his conduct, reaffirming his readiness to oversee a free and fair election.

The election, set to take place on Saturday, has sparked concerns among some political figures, including Edo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, who has called for Onuoha’s redeployment due to perceived ties with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. Aziegbemi expressed doubts over Onuoha’s ability to remain neutral.

In response, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rejected these calls. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to INEC, stated that the commission stands by Onuoha, urging the PDP and other political parties to focus on the election process. Oyekanmi assured the public that the election would be transparent.

Onuoha, a cousin of Wike, acknowledged the familial connection but dismissed claims that it would affect his work. “Yes, I am a cousin to the minister,” he said, “but what we should be focusing on is my capacity to conduct a credible election.” Highlighting his qualifications, he pointed to his past experience as an electoral commissioner in Rivers State and his academic background as an Associate Professor of Law.

“I challenge all political parties in Edo State to tell me what I have done wrong so far,” he added, asserting his commitment to neutrality and fairness.

As preparations for the election wrap up, Onuoha assured that all sensitive materials have been deployed across local government areas and that all political parties and stakeholders were involved in the process. “The campaign period ended at midnight, and we are fully prepared for tomorrow’s election,” he said.

The upcoming election has been marked by political tensions, with notable figures like Wike stirring the pot. Recently, Wike, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, distanced himself from supporting either Governor Godwin Obaseki or the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo. “The one I supported last time, what happened? I became a stupid man,” Wike remarked, referring to his previous support for Obaseki.

Ighodalo, on his part, responded by stating that the people of Edo State, not Wike or any other individual, would decide the next governor.

The political atmosphere in Edo has become increasingly charged, with 95 cases of violence, including 35 incidents of electoral violence, recorded since January. The stage is set for what promises to be a pivotal and closely-watched election.