Wike: EFCC Probe Should Not Stop Anyone From Campaigning

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission should not automatically prevent an individual from participating in political campaigns or mobilising support for a candidate.

Wike made the statement on Wednesday during a media parley in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while responding to criticism over the involvement of people facing allegations or investigations in political campaign activities.

The minister was reacting to the controversy surrounding the appointment of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, as Director of Women Mobilisation for the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign structure for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

Edu was suspended by Tinubu in January 2024 following allegations of financial misconduct and was later investigated by the EFCC. However, she has not been publicly convicted of any offence arising from the investigation.

Wike questioned why an individual should be prevented from campaigning for a political candidate simply because the person is under investigation, particularly when no court has found the individual guilty.

He argued that being investigated by the EFCC does not automatically remove a person’s right to participate in political activities. According to him, there have been cases where politicians facing criminal allegations or court proceedings contested elections and went on to win.

The FCT minister also pointed to what he described as an inconsistency in political arguments, noting that a person facing an EFCC case could potentially contest an election but might still be criticised for supporting another candidate during a campaign.

Wike further argued that political support could come from people in different circumstances, including individuals serving prison sentences. He said such people could still express their preference for a candidate and ask others outside prison to support that candidate on their behalf.

The minister also referred to criticism involving an unnamed person who was allegedly associated with a coup plot and questioned why the person’s political support for a candidate should generate controversy.

He maintained that an allegation or an ongoing investigation should not, on its own, be treated as proof of guilt. In his view, political parties and candidates should be able to receive support from individuals who have not been convicted of any offence.

Wike’s position comes amid wider debate over the standards expected of individuals appointed to political campaign teams ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly where allegations of financial misconduct or other criminal matters are involved.

While defending the participation of people under investigation, the minister’s argument was that the legal status of an individual should be distinguished from allegations that have not resulted in a conviction.