Wike claims Obaseki sought his support for Edo governorship candidate

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has revealed that Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State approached him seeking support for Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, ahead of the state’s upcoming governorship election. Ighodalo is Obaseki’s preferred candidate for the election scheduled for September 21.

During an interview with Channels Television on Friday, Wike expressed his surprise over the PDP’s recent objections to Anugbum Onuoha, the Edo Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), just days before the election. Onuoha, a former special adviser on lands to Wike when he was governor of Rivers State, has come under scrutiny from the PDP leadership in Edo, with concerns raised about his ability to conduct a fair election.

Tony Aziegbemi, the Edo State PDP chairman, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeploy Onuoha, citing his close relationship with Wike as a potential conflict of interest. Aziegbemi said the party lacked confidence in Onuoha’s ability to oversee the election impartially.

However, Wike downplayed the allegations, confirming that Onuoha is indeed his first cousin but stressing that he has been serving as Edo’s REC for over a year. He criticized the timing of the PDP’s objections, noting that the party was unaware of Onuoha’s family connection until now.

Wike further disclosed that he had refused to endorse Ighodalo when Obaseki and the PDP candidate personally sought his backing.

“When Governor Obaseki came to meet me with Ighodalo, I told them I would not support him,” Wike stated. He added that the REC’s family ties to him do not compromise his independence, describing Onuoha as a “stubborn man” who would not bow to external pressure.

Wike also expressed frustration with the PDP’s actions, pointing out that the same party had previously insulted him despite his past support.

The remarks have stirred further debate ahead of the Edo governorship election, raising questions about party dynamics and the neutrality of electoral officials in the state.