The approval of Dr. Suleman Ovouehor Ikhuoria’s nomination to the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) by Governor Monday Okpebholo has sparked widespread outrage.
Critics argue that Ikhuoria’s alleged involvement in election rigging and vote manipulation makes him unfit for the role.
In 2019, an audio recording surfaced, allegedly featuring Ikhuoria admitting to rigging votes in favour of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Additionally, claims emerged that a sting operation by the Directorate of State Security (DSS) implicated Ikhuoria in receiving marked cash to alter election results.
The audio recording and allegations of receiving bribes were tendered during a tribunal hearing in by Hon. Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, the then APC House of Representatives candidate, in 2019.
Aside from Ikhuoria, the nomination of Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, an APC stalwart, as chairman of the electoral body has raised fears of future manipulation in the state.
A spokesperson for the opposition PDP, Goodluck Osaretin, termed the nominations “a brazen affront to democracy,” alleging they form part of a broader agenda to entrench APC dominance through compromised electoral oversight.
“We call on our members in the Edo State House of Assembly to find the courage to do the needful and reject these tainted nominations.”
Meanwhile, a representative from the Edo Voters’ Alliance said, “The nomination of individuals with alleged controversial electoral histories sets a dangerous precedent for democracy in Edo, and indeed for Nigeria.”
