Rivers Guber: Wike Reacts to Court Verdict, Tells Critics to Wait for INEC List

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reacted to claims surrounding the Rivers State governorship race, saying Nigerians should wait for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the official list of candidates before drawing conclusions about who will participate in the 2027 election.

Wike made the remark on Thursday while addressing political developments in Rivers State. His reaction followed a court decision that nullified nominations that emerged from the recent party primaries conducted by a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The legal dispute stems from a judgment that restored the leadership of Emeka Beke and invalidated the primaries that produced Kingsley Chinda, a political ally of Wike, as the party’s governorship candidate. The exercise had also produced several candidates for National Assembly and State Assembly seats ahead of the 2027 elections.

The controversy deepened after the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt upheld an earlier judgment of the Rivers State High Court which nullified the congresses that brought Tony Okocha into office as APC chairman in the state.

Speaking on the matter, Wike dismissed suggestions that the court ruling had automatically ended the chances of candidates linked to him. He maintained that the final position would become clear once INEC releases the official list of candidates expected to contest the elections.

The former Rivers governor also criticised individuals already celebrating the court decision, insisting that the electoral process was still ongoing and that the public should wait for the electoral commission to complete its responsibilities before making judgments.

Beyond the political dispute, Wike also commented on the ongoing protests by teachers over the abduction of students and education workers in Oyo State. He expressed concern over the rising cases of kidnapping across the country and described the safety of citizens as a serious issue that affects everyone regardless of profession or location.

However, the minister cautioned against turning the Oyo abduction incident into a political matter. According to him, the focus should remain on securing the release of those held captive rather than using the situation for political arguments.

His remarks come as attention continues to focus on both the Rivers political battle ahead of the 2027 elections and growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the country.