The Edo Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Anugbum Onuoha, who is also a cousin of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, has responded to allegations from political parties regarding election fraud and his ability to conduct a fair election in Edo State. In an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Onuoha urged political parties to provide any evidence supporting claims of his incompetence.
Onuoha emphasized his capability to oversee a transparent election, calling for an end to allegations of favoritism linked to his family ties with Wike.
Earlier, Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeploy Onuoha, citing concerns about his impartiality. However, INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, confirmed that the commission would not be redeploying him and encouraged the PDP to focus on the election itself rather than targeting the REC. Oyekanmi assured the public that measures were in place to ensure a transparent electoral process.
These concerns surfaced following Wike’s open declaration of non-support for the PDP governorship candidate, despite being a member of the party. PDP members have since expressed their grievances towards Onuoha, but he reiterated that his relationship with Wike should not undermine his qualifications or commitment to conducting a credible election.
Onuoha stated, “I am a cousin to the minister, but before my appointment, I was vetted and confirmed by the Senate. I was sworn in by Professor Mahmoud Yakubu and assigned to Edo.”
He added, “Since last year, no one has complained about my familial connection to the minister. What matters now is my capacity to conduct the election. I am an Associate Professor of Law with prior experience as an electoral commissioner in Rivers State. I am not a politician, and my relationship with Wike does not disqualify me from this role.”
Onuoha challenged political parties to present any evidence against him: “I challenge all political parties in Edo State to tell me what I have done wrong.”
He concluded, “I am prepared for the Edo election and will not favor any political party. The people of Edo deserve an election free from bias. The campaign period ended last night at midnight; only the election remains. INEC is ready, having distributed sensitive materials after inviting all stakeholders, including 18 political parties, to inspect them before their deployment.”
