By-election: PDP demands removal of Edo REC, electoral officers

By Jethro Ibileke

Ahead of the August 16, 2025 by-elections in Edo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has demanded the redeployment of Dr. Anugbum Onuaha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and some electoral officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The by-elections will hold in the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency.

The state PDP caretaker committee chairman, Tony Azeigbemi, made the call on Tuesday in Benin, while addressing journalists.

He hinged his demand for the redeployment of Anugbum over his alleged role in the 2024 governorship election, which he said undermined the credibility and integrity of the electoral process.

Azeigbemi alleged that INEC’s officials’ involvement in the irregularities that marred the last governorship election makes their participation unacceptable.

“We unequivocally demand the immediate redeployment of REC due to his ignoble role in the last governorship election.

“We cannot allow such a tainted official to oversee the forthcoming by-elections in Edo State.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, must as a matter of urgency meet this demand and boost voters confidence and assure the credibility of the process.

“The party also demanded that the Electoral Officers (EOs) in Oredo Ikpoba-Okha, Egor, Etsako West, Etsako East, and Akoko Edo, who supervised the 2024 governorship should steer clear from the by-elections.

“As a party, we will not tolerate any form of electoral manipulation. We insist on a fair, credible, and transparent election,” he said.

The Edo PDP chairman therefore charged INEC, security agencies, and all stakeholders to ensure that the vote counts and protected, assuring that the party remain focused on winning the National Assembly seats.

He, however, called on various constituencies in the election to remain vigilant, participate actively by coming out enmasse to vote the PDP and its candidates who have the capacity and ability to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.