Wike defended the role of the Betta Edu campaign, and said that even prisoners can garner votes

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has defended the inclusion of individuals under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in political campaign structures, arguing that investigations do not deprive anyone of their right to poll.

Wike made the remarks in a media conference he held on Wednesday, which was broadcast on Channels Television, amidst the controversy surrounding the appointment of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, to President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign structure.

The former Rivers state governor questioned what he described as inconsistencies in public scrutiny of politicians and campaign officials, stating that EFCC investigations alone cannot prevent someone from participating in political activities.

“You (the media) are asking about the moral justification for including someone with an EFCC case on the campaign board. And I just noticed the woman. The woman doesn’t even know what to say,” Wike said.

He argued that Nigerians have seen many people face more serious legal challenges in contesting elections and emerging victorious.

“Now, a person cannot campaign to garner votes for a particular person, but a person who has an EFCC case can contest the election and win the election?”

Wike said there had been previous examples where people already facing criminal charges had come forward to contest elections.

“This person has an EFCC case in court, was charged to court. He contested the election and became Governor,” he said without giving his name.

Further arguing, the FCT minister said even someone serving a prison sentence can still express his political preferences and encourage others to support a candidate.

“Listen. Even a prisoner… there may be someone in prison. I go to visit that person. That person can say to me, ‘Brother, I want you to support such and such a candidate.’ A prisoner has voted.”

Also read: Wike reveals why he asked Adeleke to thank Tinubu after victory in Osun election

Wike also referred to unnamed individuals allegedly linked to the coup plot, arguing that accusations or investigations do not stop people from participating in political activities.

“I watched Channels, Sunrise, which came and said, ‘Ah, how is it possible that someone who was considered a coup plotter is now seeking votes for such and such a government?’ Someone the EFCC is looking for is now collecting votes for this person and that person.

“But… a party, or a candidate, just because the EFCC is investigating that person, cannot be a member of the campaign board to campaign for votes.”

His comments came after critics welcomed Edu’s inclusion in the All Progressives Congress’ Presidential Campaign Board for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

Edu was appointed Director of Women’s Mobilization within the campaign structure although she was removed from office by President Tinubu in January 2024 following allegations of financial impropriety.

He was subsequently investigated by the EFCC, although he has not been publicly found guilty of any offense in connection with the investigation.

Earlier, APC Presidential Campaign Council spokesperson, Kemi Asekun-Shittu, also defended Edu’s inclusion, stressing that the former minister cannot be stripped of his political rights just because investigations are still ongoing.

“I would like to say that for Betta Edu, for example, he has not been found guilty. And it would be unfair to ask him to leave his life or refuse to live his life until the EFCC says so. We believe that there is a high probability that he will not be found guilty.

“But apart from that, we also know that in the world of politics, every Nigerian is allowed to be a politician if they want to. And we don’t believe that we should let his life sit still or let it stagnate until the case is decided. It’s been almost two years since the case happened.

“He deserves the opportunity to perform again at the party,” he said.

Asekun-Shittu further stated that the decision on the membership of the campaign council was still an internal matter for the ruling party, and added that the structure was not final and could still be adjusted.

With Wike now weighing in on the controversy, the debate over Edu’s position in Tinubu’s campaign team is likely to continue, especially as political activity and preparations for the 2027 presidential election intensify.