The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the immediate removal of the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuaha, ahead of the forthcoming National Assembly bye-elections.
Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, made the call during a press conference on Tuesday in Benin, alleging that the REC acted in a compromised manner during the last gubernatorial election, thereby eroding public confidence in his neutrality.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled bye-elections for August 16, 2025, to fill vacant seats in the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency, following the resignation of Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa.
“Dr. Onuaha’s continued presence poses a threat to the credibility and fairness of the upcoming bye-elections,” Aziegbemi said.
“His ignoble role in the previous polls undermined the integrity of the entire electoral process in Edo.”
The PDP urged INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to redeploy the REC immediately to restore public trust and ensure a level playing field for all parties.
Call for EO Replacements
The party also demanded the removal of Electoral Officers (EOs) who oversaw the 2024 gubernatorial elections in several key LGAs:
Oredo
Ikpoba-Okha
Egor
Etsako West
Etsako East
Akoko Edo
“Their involvement in irregularities that marred the last governorship election makes their participation in the bye-elections unacceptable,” Aziegbemi declared.
He emphasized the PDP’s firm commitment to free, fair, and credible elections, reiterating the party’s guiding principle of “One Man, One Vote.”
Defections and Party Strength
Addressing recent defections, Aziegbemi wished the former members well but insisted the PDP remained strong and well-rooted at the grassroots level.
“Politics, like nature, obeys natural laws — there will always be a restoration of balance and justice,” he said.
He encouraged voters to remain vigilant and participate fully in the electoral process, assuring them of PDP’s readiness to protect democracy and uphold electoral integrity in Edo State and beyond.
PDP Confident of Victory
Speaking on the party’s preparedness, Aziegbemi expressed confidence in PDP’s chances, citing transparent internal processes.
“In line with our constitution and under the guidance of the National Working Committee, we conducted screening, congresses, and primaries that were transparent and credible,” he said.
He announced Prince Joe Okojie as the PDP candidate for the Edo Central Senatorial District, while Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi emerged as the candidate for the Ovia Federal Constituency.
