Edo Bye-Elections: PDP Calls For Immediate Redeployment Of INEC REC, Others
…Insists on One Man, One Vote
By Simeon OSAJIE
Ahead of the August 16 National Assembly bye-elections in Edo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the urgent redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuaha, and electoral officers previously assigned to key local government areas, citing concerns over their credibility and impartiality.
Speaking at a press conference held at the State Party Secretariat, in Benin City on Tuesday, Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, said the party was fully prepared for the upcoming polls in the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency, expressing confidence in its candidates, Prince Joe Okojie and Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi respectively.
While reaffirming the PDP’s grassroots strength and its belief in electoral victory, Aziegbemi raised alarm over the alleged compromised conduct of certain electoral officials during the last gubernatorial election in the state.
“We unequivocally demand the immediate redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Anugbum Onuaha, due to his ignoble role in the last governorship election. His actions undermined the credibility and integrity of that process, and we cannot permit such a tainted official to oversee the forthcoming bye-elections,” Aziegbemi said.
He further called for the removal of the Electoral Officers who oversaw the controversial 2024 governorship election in Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Etsako West, Etsako East, and Akoko Edo local government areas, insisting their continued presence threatens public trust in the electoral process.
“Their involvement in the irregularities that marred the last governorship election makes their participation in these bye-elections unacceptable,” he added.
Reiterating the party’s commitment to democratic principles, Aziegbemi declared that the PDP will not tolerate electoral manipulation, stressing the party’s resolve to uphold the principle of “One Man, One Vote”.
“We insist on a fair, credible, and transparent election and urge INEC, security agencies, and all stakeholders to ensure that every citizen’s vote counts and is protected,” he stated.
Responding to recent defections from the party, Aziegbemi dismissed their impact, wishing the former members well but reminding them that “the natural laws of nature also apply to politics.”
The PDP urged voters in the affected constituencies to remain vigilant and come out en masse to support the party’s candidates, whom it described as capable leaders committed to delivering the dividends of democracy.
With campaign momentum building ahead of the August 16 polls, the Edo PDP’s demands set the stage for a contentious pre-election atmosphere as stakeholders await INEC’s response.
