Controversy Erupts As Wike’s Cousin Emerges Akwa Ibom REC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has redeployed Anugbum Onuoha, a former aide and cousin of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Akwa Ibom State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the commission, the outgoing REC, Obo Effanga, officially handed over to Onuoha at the INEC state headquarters in Uyo on April 17. Effanga has been reassigned to Edo State as part of what INEC described as routine administrative redeployment.

Onuoha, a professor of property and secured credit law, previously served as REC in Edo State, where he oversaw the 2024 governorship election. He was among the Resident Electoral Commissioners appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023. Before joining INEC, he served as Special Adviser on Lands and Survey in Rivers State under Nyesom Wike.

His appointment has previously attracted criticism due to his perceived political and family connections to Wike. During the Edo governorship election, opposition parties raised concerns about his neutrality, although he dismissed the allegations, insisting on his integrity and professionalism.

With his new posting, Onuoha now assumes responsibility as the chief electoral officer in Akwa Ibom State, a region known for closely contested elections. While INEC has yet to formally release detailed explanations for the redeployment, such transfers are a regular feature of the commission’s internal administrative processes.