The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed his surprise over the recent concerns raised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) about Anugbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Edo State. Onuoha, who has been in the position for over a year, is Wike’s first cousin.

The controversy began when Tony Aziegbemi, the Edo PDP chairman, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeploy Onuoha, claiming that his connection to Wike could affect his ability to conduct a free and fair election. The PDP was worried about possible bias, given Onuoha’s past role as Wike’s special adviser when Wike was the governor of Rivers State.

In response to these allegations, Wike made it clear during an interview on Channels Television that he was not involved in influencing Onuoha’s position or actions as REC. He also revealed that the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, had approached him twice seeking support for the upcoming election. However, Wike refused to support Ighodalo, citing past issues with Obaseki.

Wike also dismissed the idea that Onuoha could be easily influenced. He described his cousin as a “stubborn man” who would not even bend to pressure from INEC’s chairman. Wike pointed out that Onuoha had been the REC in Edo for more than a year, and no one had raised concerns about his family connection until now.

In his final remarks, Wike criticized the timing of the complaints and stood by his cousin’s integrity. He said Onuoha was someone who would stand his ground and do his job without being influenced by anyone, including himself.

This latest development has added more tension to the already heated political landscape in Edo State as the election approaches.