Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he influenced the appointment of his first cousin as Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State.



In an interview with Channels TV on Friday, Mr Wike said criticisms that his cousin is Edo REC came up because he refused to support Edo Governor, Godwin Obaseki’s anointed candidate, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party.


“Why should I not?” Mr Wike said when asked if he influenced the appointment of his cousin as Edo REC. “I should influence my enemy’s appointment.

“So if I hear my cousin is to be appointed I should go and call imam, pastors, please don’t allow my cousin to be appointed. I should not say please help him to be appointed. What nonsense is that?”, he added.


Mr Wike said the criticisms about his cousin being Edo State REC was because he refused to support Mr Ighodalo.


“When Obaseki brought Ighodalo to my house twice, asking that I support him, they didn’t know the REC was my cousin. It is just today they knew he is my cousin. He was posted there more than one year ago,” Mr Wike said.


The FCT minister added, “Let me tell you the mistake they made. For accusing my first cousin, they made a mistake. You know why? I think I am strong. They are meeting a rock. Even the INEC chairman cannot tell him what to do. He will tell you to go to hell with your job.”