The appointment of Dr. Suleman Ovouehor Ikhuoria to the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) by Governor Monday Okpebholo has ignited widespread criticism and concern.
Opponents argue that Dr. Ikhuoria’s alleged history of electoral malpractice renders him unsuitable for the critical role of ensuring free and fair elections.
In 2019, an audio recording allegedly captured Dr. Ikhuoria admitting to rigging votes in favor of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Furthermore, reports claim a Directorate of State Security (DSS) sting operation implicated him in accepting marked cash to influence election outcomes. These allegations were presented during a tribunal hearing by Hon. Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, the then All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the House of Representatives.
The controversy extended to the nomination of Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, an APC loyalist, as chairman of the electoral commission, raising concerns about potential bias in the body’s operations.
Goodluck Osaretin, a spokesperson for the opposition PDP, described the nominations as “a direct assault on democracy,” suggesting they were part of a larger strategy to entrench APC control in the state through compromised electoral processes.
“We urge our representatives in the Edo State House of Assembly to reject these controversial nominations and safeguard the integrity of our elections,” Osaretin stated.
Similarly, the Edo Voters’ Alliance expressed alarm, noting, “Appointing individuals with alleged questionable electoral track records sets a dangerous precedent for democracy in Edo State and across Nigeria.”
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