Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) and 13 other affiliated Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have expressed concern over the potential compromise of Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State.

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

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

Yesterday, in a press briefing ahead of the election, the rights group’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, on behalf of the coalition, highlighted several red flags, raising concerns about the impartiality of the election’s key players.

The coalition comprises 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 the 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 by opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The PDP has been vocal about Onuoha’s past services 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.

Adding to its concerns, HURIWA alleged that the Commissioner of Police in Edo State has also been compromised.

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

MEANWHILE, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has warned Edo citizens against voting for an All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the coming Edo State governorship election.

Atiku made this known in a statement on his X handle, yesterday, titled, ‘The clear choice for a prosperous Edo State.’  He advised Edo voters to opt for change, adding that APC had forsaken the ideals of governance, ignoring the cries of the common man.

He said: “As citizens of Edo State prepare to make their voices heard this Saturday, September 21, let us reflect on the immense power within our grasp.

“The power to break free from the chains of bad governance, the power to chart a new course for our beloved state lies in your vote, a precious tool for change.

“The APC has donned the mask of a friend to the masses, but behind this veil lies a sinister reality. They have lured gullible voters with sweet promises, only to reveal their true nature, a party driven by hunger for power rather than the well-being of the people.

ALSO, the Accord Party candidate, Bright Enabulele, yesterday, assured the people of the state of enthroning good governance if elected, saying that the state needs knowledgeable individuals to be in power to provide dividends of democracy.

He pledged in Benin City as the people prepared to go to the poll to choose their governor for another four years.

He said Edo People should rally support for the Accord Party, promising to stand by them at all times and not with godfathers, as been the tradition with the other major parties.