Movement for Democracy Slams Edo INEC REC, Accuses Him of Colluding with APC to Frustrate Electoral Transparency

The Movement for Democracy (MFD) has strongly condemned Dr. Anugbom Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Edo State accusing him of working in tandem with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to block the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from reviewing the crucial Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) data after the governorship election.

The backlash comes after Dr. Onuoha released a letter refuting allegations of denying access to election materials, claiming that an inspection was scheduled for October 9, 2024, at INEC Headquarters in Edo State.

The group, however, dismissed his claims, branding him as a manipulator and APC puppet.

In a statement signed by its convener, Osaze Samuel, the group said:

“The Movement for Democracy (MFD) is compelled to issue this statement to expose the insidious actions of the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, Dr. Anugbom Onuoha.

“His recent letter, dated October 8, 2024, wherein he refuted allegations that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) refused access to critical election materials, is nothing but a shameless attempt to manipulate public perception and conceal his allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Dr. Onuoha’s so-called assurances of transparency and integrity are a sickening display of hypocrisy. The fact that he now claims the inspection of these critical materials is conveniently ‘scheduled’ for October 9, 2024, is nothing more than a ploy to pacify the growing outrage.

“Dr. Anugbom Onuoha is not a neutral figure in this electoral process. He is a manipulator and an insincere public servant who has consistently demonstrated his loyalty to the APC rather than to the Nigerian people and the sanctity of free and fair elections.

“The Movement for Democracy has been monitoring the situation closely, and we have every reason to believe that Onuoha’s actions are in direct collusion with the APC’s efforts to frustrate and sabotage the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from reviewing the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and other crucial election data. This behaviour is not just unacceptable—it is treasonous.”

The Movement for Democracy alleged that the delay was a deliberate move to shield APC from scrutiny, saying: “Let us not be fooled by Onuoha’s sudden turnaround. The APC knows that it is unpopular in Edo State, and they are pulling every string they can to ensure that the people’s will is thwarted. Onuoha’s complicity in this plot is clear as day.”

“Onuoha and the APC are already manipulating and tampering with the very data that could expose their electoral malpractice. His sudden willingness to grant access on October 9 is nothing more than a last-ditch attempt to create the illusion of fairness when, in reality, the damage has already been done.”

The Movement for Democracy issued a call for accountability, and stated:

“Dr. Anugbom Onuoha is a manipulator, a deceiver, and an agent of the APC.

“Furthermore, we demand that the inspection of BVAS and other critical election materials be conducted under the full supervision of independent observers and civil society groups.”