Suspecting compromise of the September 21 Edo state governorship election, the Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa has written INEC to demand the removal of the current Resident Electoral Officer (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, who he said has been a long standing ally of Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister. Onuoha is Wike’s first cousin and has been the Edo REC for over a year.

The group in a petition to the Chairman of INEC said the election will lack credibility is Onuoha is allowed to serve as REC in Edo overseeing the election. The letter was signed by Mr. John Mayaki, Country Director, of the coalition.

Below is the full letter:

The Chairman,

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),

Plot 436, Zambezi Crescent, Maitama District,

Abuja.

Dear Sir,

Wike’s Confession and the Urgent Need for the Transfer of Dr. Anugbum Onuoha to Safeguard Electoral Integrity in Edo State

We write to express our utmost concern and alarm regarding the appointment of Dr. Anugbum Onuoha as Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, given his well-documented history as a staunch political loyalist of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Sir, just yesterday, Friday, September 13, the FCT Minister, while speaking in an interview with Channels Television, acknowledged that Onuoha is his first cousin and has been the REC in Edo state for over a year.

In Wike’s words, “He (Onuoha) was posted to Edo more than one year ago… “For accusing my first cousin, they have made a mistake. You know why? I was thinking I am strong; you are meeting a rock (Onuoha),” said Wike.

Sir, Dr. Onuoha’s compromised position is further underscored by his active participation in political rallies alongside Governor Wike and his dedication to serving the partisan interests of his political benefactor.

This blatant conflict of interest threatens to undermine the foundation of our democracy and imperil the trust of the people in the electoral process. Dr. Onuoha’s appointment indicates the politicization of the electoral process, leading to a loss of faith in the democratic system.

The integrity of INEC is the bedrock of our democratic edifice. When compromised individuals preside over the electoral process, the consequences are catastrophic. A loss of trust in the democratic process will unleash chaos, and the rule of law will give way to anarchy.

In this precarious moment, INEC has a sacred responsibility to protect the integrity of the electoral process and maintain public trust. Dr. Onuoha’s appointment is a ticking time bomb, waiting to destroy the credibility of the electoral process. INEC must act decisively to redeem its reputation and prevent electoral chaos.

We urge INEC, in the strongest possible terms, to transfer Dr. Anugbum Onuoha to another role within the Commission and appoint a neutral, unbiased individual as Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State. This is not merely a request; it is an imperative to safeguard our democracy. The people demand, and the nation requires, an electoral process that is not only free and fair but also perceived to be so by all stakeholders.

Failure to act will precipitate a crisis of confidence in our democracy, with devastating consequences for the nation. The world watches, as do Edo citizens home and abroad who have expressed a desire to freely determine their next leader without manipulation. We implore you to act with courage, integrity, and urgency to ensure that the Edo State governorship election restores hope and not trigger chaos.

Signed:

Mr. John Mayaki

Country Director,

Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa.

14/09/2024.