Edo: I Am Wike’s Cousin, REC Calls For Evidence Of His Bias

The Edo Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Anugbum Onuoha, who is also a cousin of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, has urged political parties in Edo State to present any evidence they have against him. This call comes as the state gears up for its governorship election on Saturday.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Onuoha emphasized his ability to conduct a free and fair election. He dismissed allegations of favoritism due to his family connection with Wike, urging parties to focus on the upcoming election instead.

His remarks followed a request from Tony Aziegbemi, the chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Aziegbemi had asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeploy Onuoha, claiming he could not ensure an unbiased electoral process.

In response, Chief Press Secretary to INEC, Rotimi Oyekanmi, confirmed that Onuoha would not be redeployed and encouraged the PDP to focus on the election rather than on the REC. He assured the public that measures were in place to guarantee a transparent electoral process.

Onuoha reiterated that his relationship with Wike should not overshadow his qualifications or his commitment to a credible election. He stated, “It is a fact that I am a cousin to the minister. Before my appointment, I was invited by the Senate. It screened me, and I was confirmed. I was sworn in by Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, and posted to Edo.”

He added, “Since last year, nobody complained that I am a cousin to the minister. What we should be talking about at this time is the capacity to conduct the election.” Onuoha highlighted his credentials, mentioning that he is an Associate Professor of Law and has previously served as an electoral commissioner in Rivers State without complaints.

He challenged political parties to provide evidence for their accusations against him, saying, “I challenge all the political parties in Edo State to tell me what I have done wrong so far.” He reassured that he is ready for the Edo election and will not favor any party, stating, “At the end of the day, the people of Edo will have an election that is free from pity.”

Onuoha also noted that political campaigns ended at midnight the previous day, and the focus is now solely on the election. He mentioned that INEC is prepared, stating, “Yesterday, we distributed sensitive materials. And before we did that; we invited all the stakeholders, and 18 political parties and their agents were on ground to inspect the sensitive materials before the deployment to their respective local governments. We asked if they had any reservations, and they said they were satisfied with everything they saw.”

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