The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo State, Professor Anugbum Onuaha, has called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to provide robust financial support to the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) to ensure it conducts free, fair, and credible local government elections.
Professor Onuaha made the appeal in Benin City while receiving the leadership of the newly reconstituted EDSIEC, who were on a courtesy visit to the INEC State headquarters. The delegation, led by EDSIEC Chairman Hon. Jonathan Aifuobhiokhan, was inaugurated by the governor on 20 January 2025 and had come to foster collaboration between both commissions.
Speaking candidly, Professor Onuaha stressed that credible elections require significant investment, particularly in logistics and security.
“I was once Chairman of the Rivers State Electoral Commission, so I speak from experience,” he said. “Elections are expensive. If you want a credible process, the resources must be there — especially for logistics and security.”
He urged the new EDSIEC officials to engage in rigorous information gathering, continuous stakeholder engagement, and to ensure their staff are active in local offices rather than staying detached in Benin City.
“Don’t assume everything is fine from a distance,” he warned. “Visit your local offices. Engage the chiefs, community leaders, and stakeholders. Let them know what you are doing. If you don’t, people will make wrong assumptions.”
Reflecting on his time in office, Professor Onuaha recalled that full funding and operational independence had shielded his commission from political interference.
“In my time, we were even more comfortable than commissioners in the cabinet. We got everything — vehicles, funding, and facilities. Politicians couldn’t influence us. That’s why other parties could win elections.”
He concluded by expressing hope that the Edo State Government would not starve EDSIEC of funding, urging the newly appointed officials to remain committed to integrity and openness in their work.
In his remarks, Hon. Jonathan Aifuobhiokhan, Chairman of EDSIEC, said the visit was part of a wider effort to engage critical stakeholders and promote electoral integrity in the State.
“We are here to formally introduce ourselves, familiarise with your management team, and share our immediate plans and needs,” Aifuobhiokhan said.
He underscored the constitutional roles of both INEC and SIECs, noting that while INEC is established under Section 153 of the 1999 Constitution, SIECs like EDSIEC are founded under Section 197.
“This shared constitutional foundation affirms the complementary roles both institutions play in the conduct of elections at federal and state levels.”
Aifuobhiokhan also used the opportunity to seek formal accreditation from INEC for selected members of his commission and technical staff to observe the upcoming bye-election.
“We hope to learn from INEC’s operational procedures especially in areas such as logistics, electoral technology, and voter engagement,” he said. “Our team will observe with professionalism, non-partisanship, and full respect for guidelines.”
The meeting between the two electoral bodies marks a significant step toward improving inter-agency cooperation, with both sides pledging to work together in advancing the democratic process in Edo State.
