Ahead the September 21 Edo State Governorship election, the three major political parties (PDP, APC and LP) have expressed optimism that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led by the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Onugbum Onuoha will conduct a free, fair and credible election, despite being a cousin, and former aide to the former River State governor and now Minister for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bar Nyesom Wike.
Wike was criticized for his role during the 2023 Presidential election in River State, which was believed to have been won by the Labour Party Presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, but after mutilation, APC’s candidate and now the sitting President, Bola Tinubu was announced winner.
Speaking to Saturday Telegraph, the Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Dr Tony Aziegbemi said the party does not act on speculations, but expects the electoral umpire to conduct a free, fair and credible election.
He said, “We don’t normally act on speculations, the Resident Electoral Commissioner is an adult and he knows what he is supposed to do, he knows what his brief is as the Resident Electoral Commissioner. Whether he is a cousin, brother or nephew to Nyesom Wike, the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory does not have any effect on how his is going to conduct the election.
“What should be done is spelt out in the Electoral Act. It is not a crime that he is related to the Minister , being related to Wike. I don’t know how it is going to effects his decision making process. That is how God created them.”
On the level of preparedness ahead the election he said, “The PDP is Prepared for the election, we are ready and we just expect the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian Police to carry out their constitutional responsibilities .”
On his part the All Progressives Congress (APC) Publicity Secretary, Bar Uwadia Igbinigie, said that the Edo REC being related to Wike does not mean that he is Wike.
“The fact that the man is related to Wike does not mean that he is Wike. He is INEC official and does not take instructions from Wike. He takes instructions from his immediate boss.
“Wike is not involved and the man has not behaved in a manner that suggests that he is compromised .Our prayer is that he does what is right,the reason is that we expect a free, fair and credible election in Edo State.
“Our party is campaigning within the ambit of the law,we have been talking to our people. We believe that INEC will not compromise.
“If there is any reason to suggest that INEC is compromised,then Edo people should be on the alert,so that their votes will count on the day of election .
“APC will not subscribe to that suspicion, where there is no evidence in the political space to suggest so,the man has not done anything to suggest that. I expect Edo people to give him a benefit of doubt.”
The Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, LP,Comrade Sam Uropa said the party is agitated considering the antecedents of the FCT Minister,but he suggested that Onuoha should not be judged on the basis of his relationship with Wike.
“The Labour Party is agitated considering the antecedents of Nyesom Wike,but it is wrong to judge him by Wike’s character. We expect him to actually conduct a free and fair election.
“The Labour Party is very ready,the way the election is going, Labour party is ready and we will win the election.”