The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed deep concerns over the potential compromise of the upcoming Edo State governorship election, scheduled for September 21, 2024.
HURIWA along with 13 other affiliated organizations expressed concern over the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeploy the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State, Mr. Anugbum Onuoha, alleged to be a kinsman of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike.
Speaking in a Press Conference on Wednesday, the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated that the refusal of INEC to redeploy the REC could undermine the neutrality and integrity of the election process, given the close ties between Onuoha and Wike, a Minister under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government.
Onwubiko wondered why INEC had decided to retain Onuoha despite calls for his redeployment from opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“The PDP has been vocal about Onuoha’s past service under Wike during his tenure as the Governor of Rivers State, arguing that such a relationship could compromise his ability to oversee a free and fair election,” he said.
The National Coordinator reiterated that the neutrality of INEC officials is essential to ensuring credibility in the electoral process, warning that Onuoha’s continued presence could lead to accusations of bias, particularly if the election outcome is contested.
“We are calling on INEC to reconsider its stance on this matter. The refusal to redeploy Mr. Onuoha raises serious questions about the commission’s commitment to conducting a credible election in Edo State. INEC’s reputation is on the line, and the Nigerian people deserve an election that is transparent and free of external influences,” he stated.
The organisations also raised concerns over the neutrality of the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, who was alleged of being compromised.
‘We are not saying that the allegations against him are correct but there is the need for the security of that election not to be questioned in the area of credibility,” he said.
He appealed to the National Security Adviser (NSA) to take charge of overseeing security for the election, emphasising that as a non-partisan figure, he is in the best positioned to ensure that the police and other security agencies remain impartial throughout the electoral process.
“ Given the compromised state of the Edo Police Command and the allegations surrounding its leadership, a non-partisan body must take charge to prevent any form of manipulation or undue influence,” he said.
Onwubiko also urged the international community to remain vigilant in monitoring the situation in Edo State, while appealing to diplomatic missions, including the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, to send observers to the state and ensure that the election is conducted in line with international democratic standards.
“Edo State is at a crossroads, and the upcoming election will determine the future of its governance. We must not allow any form of compromise or malpractice to mar this critical process. We are calling on the international community to stand with the people of Edo and ensure that their right to vote is protected,” Onwubiko noted