Wike's Cousin Anugbum Onuoha Becomes Akwa Ibom REC

Anugbum Onuoha has officially taken over as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Akwa Ibom State, as disclosed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on April 17. He succeeds Obo Effanga, who previously held the position.

Onuoha's appointment has drawn criticism due to his relationship with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a prominent political figure, raising concerns about his ability to remain neutral during the Edo State governorship elections. Despite these criticisms, INEC has described the redeployment as a routine administrative process.

Onuoha has previously served as the REC for Edo State during its governorship elections, and his new role is considered significant given the competitive nature of elections in Akwa Ibom. The formal details of the redeployment have yet to be published by INEC's headquarters in Uyo.