The recent approval of Dr. Suleman Ovouehor Ikhuoria’s nomination to the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) by Governor Monday Okpebholo has ignited widespread outrage and raised serious concerns about the integrity of the state’s electoral process.
Critics have sharply condemned the appointment, citing Ikhuoria’s alleged involvement in election manipulation and vote-rigging. In 2019, an audio recording emerged in which Ikhuoria was reportedly heard admitting to tampering with votes to favor the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Further complicating matters, allegations surfaced that a sting operation by the Directorate of State Security (DSS) implicated Ikhuoria in accepting marked cash intended to influence election outcomes.
These claims, along with the audio recording, were presented as evidence during a tribunal hearing by Hon. Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, the then APC House of Representatives candidate. The accusations raised serious questions about Ikhuoria’s fitness for any role within the state’s electoral commission.
In addition to Ikhuoria’s controversial nomination, the appointment of Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, a known APC supporter, as chairman of the electoral body has raised alarms about potential bias and electoral manipulation. The combination of these appointments has sparked fears that the ruling party may be attempting to entrench its dominance by placing individuals with questionable credentials in positions of power within the electoral system.
Goodluck Osaretin, spokesperson for the opposition PDP, condemned the nominations, calling them “a brazen affront to democracy” and alleging that they are part of a broader strategy to manipulate the electoral process in favor of the APC. He urged members of the Edo State House of Assembly to reject the nominations, emphasizing the importance of upholding the principles of free and fair elections.
A representative from the Edo Voters’ Alliance also voiced concern, stating that the appointment of individuals with controversial electoral backgrounds sets a dangerous precedent for democracy, not only in Edo but across Nigeria. The spokesperson called for vigilance to protect the integrity of future elections and ensure that the electoral commission remains impartial and free from political interference.
The growing outcry highlights the urgency of addressing these concerns to safeguard the democratic process in the state and prevent further erosion of public trust in the electoral system.
