Ahead of Saturday?s governorship election in Edo State, the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), has demanded for immediate transfer of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Anugbum Onuoha, and the Commissioner of Police, Nemi Edwin-Iwo, in order to protect the integrity of the election process.

The Coalition, which made the demand, alleged amongst other things that both Onuoha and Edwin-Iwo have close ties to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chief Nyesom Wike and therefore, the entire electoral process could be compromised.

The CUPP expressed apprehension that these ?Wike allies? may use their positions to create an unfair advantage for their preferred candidate, compromising the level playing field essential for credible elections.

In a statement signed by Chief Peter Ameh, the National Secretary of CUPP yesterday in Abuja, the Coalition demanded the appointment of neutral officials to oversee the election.

It also demanded for credible elections with increased transparency and accountability measures put in place before the 21st of September, 2024. ?We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take immediate action and transfer Dr. Onuoha to safeguard electoral integrity in Edo State.

?I am not for the PDP in Edo state because I also saw their actions against Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party?s candidate for the election. This action is in defense of the integrity of the electoral system in Nigeria.

?The recent revelations that Wike?s cousin is the EDO INEC REC and his ally as the state police commissioner have sparked widespread concern among stakeholders in the upcoming governorship election in Edo State, scheduled for September 21st, 2024.

?This development has far reaching implications for the credibility of the election process and the impartiality expected of state actors involved in the conduct of the election. ?This development in Edo State ahead of the governorship elections raises serious concerns about the potential for bias and partiality in the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.

?The appointment of Wike?s cousin as INEC REC and his ally as the state Police Commissioner creates a clear conflict of interest, which could compromise the integrity of the electoral process. ?The concentration of power in the hands of individuals with clear political affiliations undermines the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability that are essential for democratic elections.

The REC and state police commissioner play pivotal roles in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. ?By appointing Wike?s relatives and allies to these positions, the integrity of the election is compromised, and the potential for bias and manipulation is significantly increased,? the statement read.

The CUPP argued that these developments will undermine the legitimacy of the election outcome, leading to disputes and potentially destabilising the state. In order to mitigate these risks, the CUPP said it had become necessary that the appointments of Wike?s cousin and ally should be rescinded and neutral officials appointed in their place.

Additionally, the CUPP said, all measures should be put in place to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process. However, INEC in reacting to an earlier protest from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the removal of both men said they would not be removing them.

Last Thursday, the Chairman of the Edo State PDP, Anthony Aziegbemhin, escalated the matter by submitting a formal protest letter to INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu. But responding to these concerns, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, urged the PDP to focus on the process of the election and not on the REC. (New Telegraph)

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