Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has distanced himself from a court judgment that nullified Governor Hope Uzodimma’s recognition as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Imo-West senatorial district in 2027.
Wike spoke at a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday.
He dismissed suggestions that he was connected to the judgment, saying those linking him to it were being mischievous.
“I didn’t go to court; I’m not from the APC,” Wike said.
“People are saying that because a day before that judgment, he had openly warned his people there’s no Rainbow Coalition; if I see you, I’ll collect the vehicle. So when the judgment came, they said it was me. How could it have been me?”
The Rainbow Coalition Dispute
Wike acknowledged his public disagreement with Uzodimma over his Rainbow Coalition initiative.
However, he denied having any knowledge of internal political disputes within the APC.
“What is Hope Uzodimma afraid of in the Rainbow Coalition?” Wike asked.
He said both men should focus on securing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“Your business is to make sure Mr President wins elections,” Wike said.
“At the National Assembly level, so many factors come in, including zoning.”
Amechi’s VP Candidacy ‘Dead on Arrival’
Wike also addressed his political rivalry with former Rivers State Governor Chibike Amaechi, who is now Atiku Abubakar’s running mate.
“Why will Rivers people support a former governor who can’t explain the issue of ₦14 billion earmarked for fumigating the state? Up till now I still have mosquito bites.”
“You budgeted $39m to construct a general hospital and up till now we can’t find any hospital; how can I support such a person? He sold our gas turbine, so what’s the impact of his leadership on Rivers people?
Wike said Amaechi’s candidacy was dead on arrival.
“It’ll be difficult no matter how yo,u look at it. He contracted a Ghanaian to plant trees along Aba Road for the sum of 8bn. My brother, it was terrible!! I don’t want to waste my energy. His candidacy is dead on arrival.”
“We started this journey more than 2 years ago. Politics and elections are not a one-day thing. Before the primaries, we’ve met and taken decisions so everyone knows what they must do”.
“If he’s a strong man, he shouldn’t be afraid. You’re strong; whatever you see, you take!”
The judgment has sparked reactions in political circles ahead of the 2027 general elections.
