Wike Denies Role In Uzodinma’s Senatorial Court Ruling

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied allegations that he influenced the Federal High Court judgment that nullified the recognition of Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Imo West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections.

Wike made the clarification during his ongoing media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday, November 5, describing claims linking him to the court decision as an attempt to create political controversy.

The minister admitted that he had disagreements with Uzodinma over the Rainbow Coalition, a political group established to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He explained that his differences with the Imo governor were connected to Uzodinma’s opposition to the coalition and not the court case.

Wike said he had no reason to interfere in the legal matter, noting that he was neither a member of the APC nor a party to the court proceedings.

He also questioned why Uzodinma was opposed to the Rainbow Coalition, insisting that the political group was formed to mobilise support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

According to the FCT minister, the coalition’s main priority was to ensure victory for the president in 2027, while other political considerations, including zoning arrangements, would be addressed when deciding candidates for the National Assembly.

Wike also spoke about his relationship with former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, dismissing suggestions that their political differences would affect their personal relationship.

He maintained that he would not turn against people he considered friends simply because they belonged to different political camps.

The minister also took a swipe at former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, over his ambition in the 2027 presidential election.

Amaechi, who is the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), was dismissed by Wike, who questioned his record during his time in public office.

Wike criticised the former governor’s performance, raising concerns about the projects executed and how public funds were spent under his administration in Rivers State.

He expressed doubts about Amaechi’s chances in the forthcoming election, insisting that his presidential ambition would struggle to gain the support needed to succeed.

Speaking further, Wike defended his political arrangements involving candidates of the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 elections.

He disclosed that he had allocated 13 political seats to the APC and three to the PDP as part of an arrangement reached through consultations over the last two years.

The minister said the decisions were not taken without discussions, adding that his supporters had already been informed about the political roles expected of them.

He maintained that political leadership required making decisions that would also benefit supporters and people at the grassroots.