The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has demanded the immediate removal of Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr. Anugbum Onuaha, citing concerns over electoral integrity ahead of the August 16 National Assembly bye-elections.
Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo State, made the demand during a press conference in Benin City on Tuesday, alleging that the REC’s continued presence threatens the credibility of the upcoming polls.
“With the forthcoming National Assembly bye-elections, it is clear that Dr. Onuaha’s continued presence as REC poses a direct threat to the credibility and fairness of the polls,” Aziegbemi declared.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled bye-elections for August 16 to fill vacant positions in Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency, following the departure of Senator Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa from their legislative seats.
Aziegbemi accused the REC of playing “an ignoble role that undermined public trust and tainted the process” during the 2024 gubernatorial election, arguing that his redeployment represents the only viable path to restoring public confidence in the electoral system.
Beyond the REC’s removal, the PDP chairman extended his demands to include the exclusion of specific Electoral Officers from the upcoming bye-elections, citing their alleged involvement in previous electoral irregularities.
“We also demand that the EOs who served in Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Etsako West, Etsako East, and Akoko Edo during the last governorship election steer clear of these bye-elections. Their involvement in the irregularities that marred that exercise makes their continued participation unacceptable,” he stated.
The party leader emphasized the PDP’s commitment to the fundamental democratic principle of “One Man, One Vote,” calling on INEC and security agencies to guarantee transparency throughout the electoral process.
“We are committed to free and fair elections and will resist any attempt to manipulate the process. We call on voters to stay vigilant and participate fully in selecting PDP candidates who can deliver true democratic dividends,” Aziegbemi urged.
Despite acknowledging recent defections from the party, Aziegbemi expressed confidence in the PDP’s grassroots strength and predicted victory in both bye-elections, emphasizing the party’s organizational capacity at the community level.
The chairman highlighted the party’s adherence to constitutional procedures in candidate selection, describing their internal democratic processes as exemplary.
“In line with our constitution and under the guidance of the National Working Committee, we conducted screening, congress, and primaries to select our candidates. The process was transparent and inclusive,” he explained.
Following the party’s internal democratic procedures, Prince Joe Okojie emerged as the PDP candidate for the Edo Central Senatorial District seat, while Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi secured the party’s nomination for the Ovia Federal Constituency position.
The PDP’s demands reflect broader concerns about electoral integrity in Nigeria, where opposition parties frequently challenge the neutrality of electoral officials and call for reforms to ensure transparent democratic processes.
The August bye-elections will serve as a crucial test of INEC’s commitment to conducting credible polls and may influence public perception of the electoral body’s independence ahead of future major elections.
