Nyesom Wike's Cousin Appointed INEC Commissioner for Akwa Ibom

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appointed Anugbum Onuoha, who is reportedly a cousin to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as the new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Akwa Ibom State. The commission announced the change of leadership through its Akwa Ibom state office on Facebook and X.

On April 17, Mr. Onuoha formally took over from the outgoing REC, Obo Effanga, at the commission's state headquarters in Uyo. Images from the handover event, which featured Mr. Effanga and Mr. Onuoha, were shared with the announcement.

Mr. Onuoha, a professor of property and secured credit law, was previously the REC in Edo State, where he oversaw the 2024 governorship election. Mr. Effanga, who had served in Akwa Ibom since 2025, is expected to assume responsibility for INEC affairs in Edo, a move that appears to be a standard administrative reassignment.

While INEC headquarters in Abuja has not yet officially published details regarding these redeployments on its website or social media channels, the transfer of RECs is a routine administrative process within the commission. The official database for appointed RECs has not yet been updated to reflect these changes.

Mr. Onuoha had previously served as a special adviser on lands and survey to the Rivers State Government when Mr. Wike was the governor. He was among the ten RECs appointed by President Bola Tinubu in 2023. His nomination, alongside other REC candidates, faced public scrutiny at the time due to concerns about the alleged political leanings of some appointees.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Onuoha held a position as a commissioner for legal and political parties monitoring at the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) in 2007, during the tenure of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi. After his service under Mr. Wike, he was elevated to a traditional leadership role in Rumuepirikom, Mr. Wike's hometown in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

His close connections to Mr. Wike, both politically and through family ties, have sometimes led to controversy regarding his postings within INEC.

In response to previous calls from opposition parties in Edo for his removal before the 2024 governorship elections, Mr. Onuoha had defended his position. He argued that the structure of the electoral commission limits the ability of individual commissioners to influence election outcomes. At the time, he was quoted as saying, “Even if you remove me, I will go to another state. I am not afraid of being removed. My conscience is alive and every staff member of the commission knows this.”

With his new role in Akwa Ibom, Mr. Onuoha now becomes the primary electoral officer for a state known for its highly competitive elections.