INEC responds to PDP’s request to remove Wike’s cousin as Edo REC by denying the request.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will not comply with the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) request to reassign Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Anugbum Onuoha.

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and Wike have had a strained relationship since Wike supported Obaseki’s bid for a second term after he defected to the PDP. Both Obaseki and the PDP’s national leadership have voiced concerns that Onuoha could sway the election in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

PDP Chairman in Edo State, Anthony Aziegbemhin, submitted a formal complaint to INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, calling for the immediate transfer of Onuoha. The letter stated, “The connections between these individuals are too significant to overlook, as they are closely associated with one another.”

It noted that the Edo REC is related to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Wike, and that Onuoha previously served as Commissioner and Special Adviser for Lands, Survey, and Housing during Wike’s tenure as Governor of Rivers State.

In response, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, firmly stated that Onuoha would not be transferred and urged the PDP to concentrate on the election process rather than Onuoha’s role. He emphasized, “The REC for Edo State will remain in position. The governorship election is scheduled for September 21, 2024, across 4,519 polling units, not merely in the REC’s office.”

Oyekanmi further assured that polling unit results will be announced by the respective Presiding Officers after the voting, sorting, and counting operations are completed, with accredited party agents and other stakeholders present during the process.