The mere fact that I’m a cousin to Wike does not preclude me from being appointed as an INEC official - Edo REC

Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo, has defended his appointment as an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stating that his familial relationship with Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), does not disqualify him from the role.

The controversy arose when Tony Aziegbemi, chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo, called on INEC to redeploy Onuoha due to his ties with Wike, expressing concerns about Onuoha’s ability to oversee a free and fair election in the state. Onuoha previously served as a special adviser on lands during Wike’s tenure as governor of Rivers State.

In response, INEC rejected the PDP's request for redeployment, emphasizing that the focus should remain on the integrity of the voting process.

During an interview with Channels Television on Friday, September 20, Onuoha urged Nigerians to focus on his “competency, character, and conscience” rather than his familial ties. He dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, adding, “Politicians will make wild allegations when they discover that you will not do their bidding.” He also noted that there were no objections when he was posted to Edo State in 2023.

He said; 

“It is a fact that I am a cousin to the minister. On my appointment, I was invited by the senate. The senate screened and confirmed me. I was sworn in by my chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

“I was posted to Edo last year. Nobody complained that I’m a cousin to the minister. Of course, I’m a cousin to the minister. What we should be talking about at this time is capacity. Do you have the capacity to conduct the election? Are you competent enough?

“From my background, I am an associate professor of law. People should ask, ‘Can he do this job? Has he done a similar thing before?’ Yes, I was an electoral commissioner in Rivers State’s RSIEC. Nobody complained.

“I’m coming from the university. The mere fact that I’m a cousin to Wike does not preclude me from being appointed. Am I not a Nigerian? What Nigerians should be after is the person’s competence and whether he has what it takes to handle the job.  Those are the issues they should ask.”

INEC has reiterated its confidence in Onuoha and assured the public of the commission’s commitment to a fair electoral process in Edo state.