Ahead of the Jan. 25 rerun election for Essien Udim Local Government of Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial district, a coalition of candidates have called for the replacement of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Mike Igini.
A statement by the coalition after a press briefing in Uyo, Monday and signed by its chairman, Comrade Imoh Ekpo said they doubt the sincerity of the INEC commissioner to conduct credible election in the state.
Ekpo stressed that the “facts” that played out before, during and after the 2019 elections in the state were so glaring and indicate that they were not calling for Igini’s redeployment out of sentiment.
He maintained that the call for Igini’s removal from the state was not just about the re-run, adding that “we have future elections too. It is an issue that bothers us as a coalition, so we are preparing ahead of time.”
The coalition of senatorial candidates accused Igini of working for the interest of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the state in 2019, and therefore would not be able to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
“The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom state, Mike Igini, should be redeployed,” said Ekpo, insisting that “the removal of Igini will pave way for a free and fair poll.”
According to the coalition, REC Igini’s romance with PDP candidates during the 2019 general elections was also part of the reasons for the demand.
The coalition said it had established that “in total violation of his oath of office and code of conduct for senior electoral officials, Igini worked hand-in-glove with the ruling party (PDP), to rig, manipulate and influence the elections in favour of its candidates.”
The chairman maintained that the coalition candidates would not have a level playing field with Mr Igini superintending the conduct of the elections in the state.
According to him, the group has copious evidence to show that REC Igini romanced with the PDP, accusing him of handing over uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to the officials of the state government.
“Igini is biased and he is working for PDP. He handed all the uncollected PVCs to the party to rig the 2019 election. It is either they change him or there will be no rerun election in the affected local government”, he reiterated.
Spokesman for the INEC, Mr Festus Okoye, could not be reached for comment. But a source close to his office, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed that there were pressure on the commission to transfer the Akwa Ibom REC, Igini.
