The leadership of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), staged a protest at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the exclusion of its governorship candidate, Dr Dennis Osaron Aikoriogie, from the upcoming Edo State governorship election.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, during the protest, the National Publicity Secretary of NRM, Olusola Afuye, emphasized their dedication to the democratic process and the importance of providing voters with diverse choices.
The party claims to have been unjustly denied participation in the crucial electoral process, despite diligently complying with INEC’s guidelines.
He, however, noted that their exclusion undermines the principles of inclusivity and fair representation in the electoral system, and argued that the party followed all the necessary steps and met the requirements set by INEC to participate in the election.
Afuye said: “The Leadership and entire family of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) condemns in strong terms the exclusion of its governorship candidate in the list published by the Commission on Sunday March 31, 2024.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had displayed the list of candidates of the 17 political parties participating in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.
“The INEC office in Edo State, led by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Anugbum Onuoha, displayed the list on its notice board and in all INEC offices across the 18 local government areas on Saturday, but mysteriously excluded the name of our candidate Dr Dennis Osaron Aikoriogie, who duly participated in the legitimate primaries monitored by INEC from National Headquarters Abuja and the State HoD GAP in Benin and widely reported in the media.
“The National Rescue Movement (NRM) demands that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should immediately upload the name and credentials of our candidate or risk scuttling the entire process which has cost the country a lot of taxpayers’ money.”
He said that the NRM is a political party known for its commitment to promoting good governance and accountability, and expressed deep disappointment over the exclusion.
He calls on their supporters in Edo State especially, not to despair or relent, but remain steadfast and resolute to unite in resisting any anti-democratic tendencies intended to instill fear in them and set the stage for a dictatorial order and the erosion of our personal freedom and liberty as citizens.
In his response, the INEC Commissioner, Major General Abubakar Alkali (retd), said: “INEC is ready to listen to everybody, we are not a political party.
“Everybody is equal to us so if there is any issue that requires the attention of the Commission, or the chairman will receive it. And we present it to the chairman and the commission will make a decision. I promise you, we are not going to be unfair in anything we do.
“Will operate based on the laws, the rules or regulations, the Electoral Act, and finally, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So, there is no way you can gather yourself, we will never neglect you because we will listen to what you are saying. And if it is within the preview of INEC, we will deal with it and you will be invited or we will reply accordingly and I think everybody will be happy.”
