The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded the immediate removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuaha, ahead of the National Assembly by-elections scheduled for August 16th.
During a press conference held in Benin City on Tuesday, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, stated that the party has lost confidence in the REC’s neutrality, alleging that he acted in a compromised manner during the last governorship election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled by-elections for the Edo Central Senatorial District and the Ovia Federal Constituency to fill the seats previously held by Sen. Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa.
Aziegbemi asserted that Onuaha’s continued presence poses a threat to the credibility and fairness of the upcoming elections, accusing him of undermining the integrity of the electoral process in the state. The PDP is urging INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to redeploy the REC to restore public trust.
The party is also calling for the removal of specific Electoral Officers (EOs) who served during the 2024 gubernatorial election in Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Etsako West, Etsako East, and Akoko Edo, citing their involvement in irregularities during the previous election.
Aziegbemi emphasized the PDP’s commitment to free and fair elections, reaffirming “One Man, One Vote” as a guiding principle. He cautioned against any attempts to manipulate the election results and urged INEC and security agencies to guarantee transparent conduct.
Addressing recent defections from the party, Aziegbemi wished the defectors well while expressing confidence in the PDP’s strength and grassroots support.
Regarding the party’s preparedness for the by-elections, Aziegbemi announced that the PDP has successfully conducted screening, congress, and primaries to select candidates, in accordance with the party’s constitution and under the guidance of the National Working Committee. Prince Joe Okojie emerged as the PDP candidate for Edo Central, and Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi secured the Ovia Federal constituency ticket.