Politics

Edo Poll: Group Raises Concerns, Calls On US, UK, Others For Intervention

Published

1 year ago

September 18, 2024

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 election’s 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).

“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 noted.

It reiterated that the neutrality of INEC officials is essential to ensuring credibility in the electoral process, warning 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 favoring the APC in the lead-up to the election, citing reports of biased 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 group 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.

It 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, the group made a direct appeal to the National Security Adviser (NSA), urging him to take charge of overseeing security for the election.

The association emphasized that 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,” HURIWA stated.

The association argued that 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.

It also urged the international community to remain vigilant in monitoring the situation in Edo State.

The association 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.

HURIWA further requested the United States and the United Kingdom to 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 statement read.

“Edo State is at a crossroads, and the upcoming election will determine the future of its governance. We must not allow any form of compromise or malpractice to mar this critical process. We are calling on the international community to stand with the people of Edo and ensure that their right to vote is protected,” HURIWA concluded

Politics

Obasanjo, Atiku, Obi Meet In Abuja

Published

19 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi met in Abuja on Saturday.

The trio were among prominent political figures who attended the Tambuwal Colloquium, titled “Leadership, Service and Statesmanship at 60,” held at the New Event Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, in honour of the 60th birthday of former Sokoto State Governor and Senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

Atiku confirmed his presence at the event in a post on his X handle, stating that he had arrived at the venue for the colloquium organised to mark Tambuwal’s milestone birthday.

The former vice president also shared images of himself, Obasanjo and Obi at the event.

The event attracted political leaders, statesmen and stakeholders from across the country.

Politics

PANDEF Wades Into Rivers Crisis, Sets Up Seven-member Mediation Team

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has intervened in the political crisis in Rivers State, calling on all actors to sheathe their swords and embrace peace in the interest of the development of the state and the region in general.

Expressing concern that the political disagreement involving the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly might degenerate to total lawlessness, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF set up a seven-member reconciliation team to resolve the issues.

The team, which is headed by a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi, has six other members.

They are Senator Obende Domingo (Vice Chairman); Chief Essien Nduese; Dr Timiebi Koripamo-Agari; Chief Mike Ejiofor; Mrs Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN; and Prince Godwin Okotie, the Deputy National Secretary of PANDEF, who will serve as the secretary of the team.

Politics

Wike: Why Removing Fubara Will Be Difficult – Ex-Commissioner

Published

2 days ago

January 9, 2026

Editor

A former Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Austin Tam-George, has said that attempts to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara would be difficult to sustain, citing what he described as the governor’s performance record and the lack of concrete allegations against him.

Tam-George made the remarks on Thursday while speaking on Prime Time on Arise Television, arguing that the impeachment process being initiated against Fubara was to scuttle his chance for a second term.

According to him, Governor Fubara has continued to place the needs of the people at the centre of his administration, with visible interventions in rural development, housing, education and healthcare.

He said this, in his view, has made it difficult for opponents to justify moves to remove the governor from office.

Tam-George also called on the All Progressives Congress, APC, to intervene, arguing that the party should not allow what he described as the humiliation of a sitting governor.

He said: “Well, all I think he needs to do is to do exactly what he’s been doing from the beginning, which is to place the people at the center of gravity of his administration, prioritize the needs of the people, so that the people can see the direct impact of government action in their lives.

“And that’s exactly what he’s doing in terms of rural development, in terms of housing sector transformation, which I mentioned that he is doing the same in education sector and in health.

“So if he continues, if he persists in placing the people’s need at the center of focus of his administration, there is no way they are going to be able to justify this kind of shenanigans.

“Because, if you look very carefully at the so called articles of impeachment, you will see that there is no specificity in terms of any infraction by the governor or his deputy.

“What they are trying to do is to make sure they scuttle the administration so that the governor doesn’t then get to the point where he will be seeking a second term.

“Let me be clear, just two days ago, Nyesom Wike was at one of the local governments, and he made it clear in a moment of epiphany, he made it clear that, look, if Governor Fubara were to get a second term in office, it will amount to his own political burial.

“So all of these things that we are seeing the so called impeachment proceedings they’ve initiated, it’s actually an effort to try to scuttle the prospects of the governor coming for a second term, and I don’t see how they will succeed.

“If you look at the so called articles of impeachment, as I said, they lack specificity in terms of the kind of infraction that they allege that the governor has committed. He has done nothing wrong, and they will see how the process will play out.

“My sense, and in fact, if I were to advise the governor, my sense is that he should just maintain the people, retain the people at the center of gravity of his administration, meet their needs, run a transparent administration as he always done, and then the truth will come out, and he will be able to defend the administration.

“I think the the governing APC should also step in because they can’t possibly allow the governor of the office with probably one of the best performance records in the country to be humiliated by some of these members of the assembly.”