Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) and 13 other affiliated Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have expressed concerns over the potential compromise of the upcoming Edo State governorship election, scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024.

The CSOs are alarmed by the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeploy the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State, Mr. Anugbum Onuoha, who is allegedly a kinsman of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike.

The groups feared that this could undermine the neutrality and integrity of the election process, especially given the close ties between Onuoha and Wike, a Minister under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government.

In a press conference ahead of the election, addressed yesterday by HURIWA’s national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, on behalf of the coalition, he highlighted several red flags, raising concerns about the impartiality of the election’s key players.

The coalition are Eastern Movement, Nigeria, Citizens Actions 4 Empowerment, Centre For People Supporting Democracy, Equity And Constitution Initiatives, Democrats For Transparency and Excellent Focus On Democracy.

Others are Young Women & Youths Development Caucus. initiative For Community Rapid Development, Humanitarian Services Centre, Sustainable Peace And Progress Institute, Child Care And Youth Empowerment Forum, Centre For Women Decision Making and Association of african writers on Human and Peoples Rights (AFRIRIGHTS).

The association questioned INEC’s decision 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.

HURIWA reiterated that the neutrality of INEC officials is essential to ensuring credibility in the electoral process. The association warned 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,” HURIWA stated.

Adding to its concerns, HURIWA pointed to the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, whom it claims is also compromised.

The association alleged that the Commissioner of Police has demonstrated a clear interest in favouring the APC in the lead-up to the election, citing reports of biassed policing and arrests targeting PDP chieftains.

According to HURIWA, these actions signal a concerted effort to intimidate and undermine the opposition, further calling into question the fairness of the electoral process.

The human rights groups expressed dismay over the perceived collusion between the Edo State Police Command and the APC, which it claims is creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in the state.

The association referenced recent incidents where PDP leaders were allegedly arrested and detained under dubious circumstances, only to be released after prolonged legal battles.

HURIWA described this as a deliberate attempt to weaken the opposition and stifle its capacity to campaign effectively.

“In light of these developments, we made a direct appeal to the National Security Adviser (NSA), urging him to take charge of overseeing security for the election.

“The NSA, as a non-partisan figure, is best positioned to ensure that the police and other security agencies remain impartial throughout the electoral process.

“We are calling on the NSA to take immediate and direct control of security operations for the Edo 2024 elections. 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.

“The Nigerian people deserve an election that is free from fear, coercion, or intimidation.

“The involvement of the NSA is necessary to restore confidence in the electoral process. According to HURIWA, the current situation in Edo State threatens to derail the progress made in electoral reforms, and all stakeholders must work together to ensure a peaceful, credible, and transparent election.

“In addition we urged the international community to remain vigilant in monitoring the situation in Edo State.

We also appealed 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.

“The United States and the United Kingdom should impose visa bans on any individuals found to be involved in undermining the credibility of the Edo State governorship election.

“We urge the USA and UK governments to take decisive action by imposing visa bans on any person or group attempting to compromise this election. International pressure is vital to ensuring accountability and upholding democratic principles,” the coalition added.