The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the immediate removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuaha, over alleged bias during the 2024 governorship election.
Speaking at a press briefing, Edo PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, accused Onuaha of compromising the integrity of the last gubernatorial polls, warning that his continued role poses a threat to the credibility of the upcoming bye-elections scheduled for August 16 in Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency.
“Dr. Onuaha’s presence as REC is a direct threat to the credibility and fairness of the polls,” Aziegbemi stated.
Aziegbemi also demanded that certain Electoral Officers (EOs) who served in key local government areas during the last election—namely Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Etsako West, Etsako East, and Akoko Edo—be barred from participating in the bye-elections due to alleged misconduct.
Reaffirming PDP’s commitment to free and fair elections, Aziegbemi called on INEC and security agencies to ensure transparency. “We are committed to ‘One Man, One Vote’ and will resist any attempt to manipulate the process,” he said.
Despite recent defections from the party, the chairman maintained that PDP remains strong at the grassroots and is confident of victory in the bye-elections.
He announced that Prince Joe Okojie would fly the party’s flag in Edo Central Senatorial District, while Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi emerged as the candidate for Ovia Federal Constituency.
