Wike’s Cousin Assumes Role As Akwa Ibom REC Amid Controversy

The Independent National Electoral Commission has redeployed Anugbum Onuoha, a former aide and relative of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State. According to Ireporter Online, the transition took effect on April 17 at the commission’s state headquarters in Uyo, where the outgoing REC, Obo Effanga, formally handed over to Onuoha.

Effanga is expected to resume duties in Edo State as part of what the electoral body described as a routine administrative reshuffle. Onuoha, a professor of property and secured credit law, previously served as REC in Edo State, where he oversaw the 2024 governorship election, and was among those appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023.

Before his appointment into the commission, Onuoha worked as a special adviser on lands and survey under Wike during his tenure in Rivers State. His emergence in electoral roles has, however, continued to spark criticism due to his political and familial ties to the minister, with opposition parties previously questioning his neutrality during the Edo governorship poll—an allegation he dismissed at the time, insisting on his integrity.

With his latest redeployment, Onuoha assumes responsibility as the chief electoral officer in Akwa Ibom State, a region known for its fiercely contested elections. While the commission’s headquarters is yet to officially release detailed documentation on the move, such redeployments are understood to be part of its standard internal administrative procedures.