The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) and 13 other affiliated organizations have expressed deep concerns over the potential compromise of the upcoming Edo State governorship election, scheduled for September 21, 2024.
The group said it is alarmed by the refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeploy the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State, Anugbum Onuoha, who is allegedly a kinsman of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The rights association expressed fears 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, held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, HURIWA and its coalition of 13 affiliated NGOs highlighted several red flags, raising concerns about the impartiality of the elections key players.
The association questioned INEC's decision to retain Onuoha despite calls for his redeployment from opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
