Ahead of the September 21, Edo governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised concerns about the role of the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, due to his family connection to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The PDP, through its Edo State chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeploy Onuoha.
The party expressed doubts about his ability to conduct a free and fair election, citing his ties to Wike, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and a former governor of Rivers State.
Aziegbemi’s call has sparked controversy, particularly because the gubernatorial race is drawing near.
The PDP fears that Onuoha’s relationship with Wike could influence the election outcome in favor of certain candidates.
In response, Dr. Onuoha issued a public statement assuring the public that his position as the REC for Edo State is based on professionalism, integrity, and his commitment to overseeing a free and fair election.
He reaffirmed that his appointment by INEC has no bearing on political affiliations or family ties.
Onuoha also addressed his relationship with Wike, openly acknowledging their familial connection.
However, he emphasized that this relationship has no influence on his duties as REC.
He explained that INEC operates as an independent body, free from external pressures or influence.
He noted, “My sole objective is to oversee a credible electoral process where the true will of the Edo State people will be reflected without bias or favoritism.”
The controversy took a new turn when Nyesom Wike himself responded to the allegations during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Wike disclosed that Onuoha is indeed his first cousin, a fact he had never hidden.
However, he pointed out that Onuoha has been the REC in Edo State for over a year without any prior complaints from the PDP.
Wike expressed surprise at the timing of the PDP’s objections.
According to him, the PDP leadership had approached him seeking his support for the party’s governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and never once mentioned concerns about Onuoha during their visits.
Wike revealed that Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki and Ighodalo had come to his house twice seeking his endorsement.
Wike stated, “When Obaseki brought Ighodalo to my house two times to support him, they did not know the REC is my cousin. It is just today that they know that he (Onuoha) is my cousin.”
He further explained that he declined to support Ighodalo, citing past grievances with Obaseki.
Wike said he supported Obaseki in previous political endeavors but claimed that Obaseki had done nothing in return, adding that the governor had even insulted him.
Wike elaborated on his position, saying, “I told them (Obaseki and Ighodalo) when they came to see me that I’m not going to support Ighodalo.
“Neither am I going to support anybody. The one I supported, you never helped with anything but rather I was insulted.”
The FCT Minister dismissed the PDP’s demand for Onuoha’s redeployment as unfounded and ill-timed.
He questioned why the PDP only now raised concerns about Onuoha’s relationship with him when it had been common knowledge for more than a year.
Wike defended his cousin’s character, describing Onuoha as a “stubborn” and principled man who would not allow anyone, even himself or the INEC chairman, to dictate how he should carry out his duties.
He confidently stated, “Even the INEC chairman cannot tell him what to do. He is a stubborn man; he will tell him ‘go to hell with your job’.”
