Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the appointment of former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Betta Edu to President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 campaign team, arguing that an unresolved investigation should not automatically exclude a person from political activities.
Wike made the remarks during a media parley aired on Channels Television on Wednesday while responding to questions surrounding Edu’s inclusion in the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council.
Edu, who was suspended from her ministerial position by President Tinubu in January 2024, was recently appointed Director of Women Mobilisation for the president’s 2027 re-election campaign.
Her return to a prominent political role has generated debate because of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission investigation that followed her suspension.
Addressing the controversy, Wike questioned why someone facing an EFCC investigation should be considered unsuitable to campaign for a candidate when people facing criminal cases have been permitted to contest elections.
He argued that an investigation should not be treated as proof of guilt and pointed to an unnamed politician who, according to him, contested and won a governorship election despite facing an EFCC case in court.
Wike extended his argument by using the example of a prisoner, saying a person in custody could still express support for a political candidate and encourage someone visiting them to vote for that candidate.
The FCT minister maintained that canvassing support for a candidate is different from seeking elective office and questioned the criticism directed at people under investigation who participate in campaign activities.
The controversy surrounding Edu’s appointment had earlier prompted a response from APC campaign council spokesperson Kemi Asekun-Shittu, who argued that the former minister should not be prevented from participating in politics indefinitely while the investigation remains unresolved.
Asekun-Shittu also said the campaign council is an internal party structure whose membership can be determined and reviewed by the APC.
Edu has not been publicly convicted of any offence arising from the EFCC investigation.