29th July 2025
Ahead of the August 16 National Assembly by-elections, in Edo state to fill two vacant legislative seats vacated by Sen. Monday Okpebholo in Edo Central Senatorial District and Dennis Idahosa in Ovia Federal Constituency, the Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has called for the immediate deployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Anugbum Onuaha.
Edo PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, made the call on Tuesday in Benin city.
Aziegbemi, alleged that the REC, acted in a compromised manner in the last governorship election, therefore his neutrality is in doubt.
INEC had fixed Aug. 16, for the bye-elections in Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency.
According to Aziegbemi, the state REC’s continued presence poses a threat to the credibility and fairness of the upcoming bye-elections.
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He accused the REC of playing an ignoble role in the previous polls, undermining the integrity of the entire electoral process in Edo.
The PDP urged the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu to act swiftly by redeploying the REC and restoring public trust in the process.
The party also called for the removal of certain Electoral Officers, who served during the 2024 gubernatorial election in Edo.
“We also demand that the EOs who were in Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Etsako West, Etsako East, and Akoko Edo should steer clear of the bye-elections.
“Their involvement in the irregularities that marred the last governorship election makes their participation unacceptable,” he said
Aziegbemi emphasised its commitment to free and fair elections, reaffirming the slogan “One Man, One Vote” as a PDP guiding principle.
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The party warned against any attempt to manipulate the outcome and called on INEC and security agencies to guarantee transparent conduct.
Speaking on the party’s preparedness for the bye-elections, Aziegbemi stated that the PDP was confident of victory.
“In line with our constitution and under the guidance of the National Working Committee, the party conducted screening, congress, and primaries to select candidates.
“Prince Joe Okojie emerged as the PDP candidate for Edo Central, while Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi is candidate for Ovia Federal constituency ticket.”
