Edo Poll: HURIWA Urges NSA to Manage Election Security

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has called on Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), to take charge of security during the Edo State election.

Emmanuel Onwubiko, the National Coordinator of HURIWA, at a press conference in Abuja, affirmed that it is necessary to have people who are not participating in politics oversee the election to ensure its fair and peaceful process. 

He expressed concerns over the fairness of the police force, asserting that the Commissioner of Police in Edo State is partial towards the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Onwubiko maintained that the current apprehension of PDP leaders shows a pattern of harassment targeted at sabotaging the opposition.

“We urge the NSA to take prompt and direct control of security processes for the Edo 2024 elections.

Because the Edo State police force is not trustworthy and its leaders may be biassed, a neutral group should be in charge of security during the election. Nigerians deserve an election that is fair and free from threats or pressure.

“Given the risked state of the Edo Police Command and the accusations bordering its leadership, an impartial body must take charge to stop any form of control or undue influence. The Nigerian people deserve an election that is free from fear, coercion, or harassment,” he asserted.

Onwubiko also condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission for retaining Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, referencing his close relationships to Mr. Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. This connection, Onwubiko implored, could compromise the election’s objectivity.

He asserted that Onuoha's prior service under Wike raises serious questions about his ability to supervise a fair electoral process.

The group urged INEC to reconsider its decision, stating, “We urge INEC to review its position on this issue.