Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike denied any role in the Federal High Court’s decision that nullified the recognition of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo‑West senatorial district in the 2027 general elections. The denial was made during his ongoing media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday.
Wike described the allegations linking him to the judgment as “mischievous” and insisted, “I didn’t go to court; I’m not from APC.” He noted that a day before the ruling, Governor Uzodinma had warned his supporters that there was “no Rainbow Coalition; if I see you I’ll collect the vehicle,” and suggested that the court’s timing was being used to implicate him.
The minister said his disagreement with Uzodinma centres on the “Rainbow Coalition,” a political structure that backs President Bola Tinubu’s re‑election bid. Wike challenged the governor to explain his opposition, asking, “What is Hope Uzodinma afraid of in the Rainbow Coalition?” and affirmed that the coalition’s primary aim is to secure Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 presidential election, while zoning and other factors will determine outcomes at the National Assembly level.
Wike also defended his political relationship with former Imo governor Rochas Okorocha, stating he would not harm friends because of their associations with political opponents. He dismissed former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi’s vice‑presidential candidacy on the African Democratic Congress ticket, criticizing Amaechi’s record on projects and expenditure and declaring, “His candidacy is dead on arrival.”
Regarding broader political arrangements, Wike said he has “conceded 13 seats to the APC and three to the PDP” after two years of consultations, adding that his supporters have been briefed on their roles. “Leadership is about cascading impact down to your people,” he concluded.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
