Wike Denies Involvement in Court Ruling Against Uzodimma’s Imo West Senatorial Ticket

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

Wike made the clarification on Thursday during his ongoing media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, describing suggestions that he influenced the court decision as mischievous.

Although he acknowledged his public disagreement with Uzodimma over the governor’s opposition to his proposed Rainbow Coalition initiative, the FCT Minister said he had no knowledge of the internal political issues within the APC that led to the court case.

“I didn’t go to court; I’m not from APC. 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?” Wike said.

He also questioned why Uzodimma appeared concerned about the Rainbow Coalition, arguing that political leaders should focus on securing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 rather than opposing initiatives aimed at strengthening the President’s political support.

“What is Hope Uzodimma afraid of in the Rainbow Coalition?” he asked.

Wike maintained that his political priority was to ensure Tinubu’s victory in the next general election. He added that decisions concerning National Assembly candidates involved several considerations, including zoning arrangements.

The minister also defended his friendship with former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, saying their political relationship should not be interpreted as hostility towards people who oppose Okorocha in Rivers State.

Turning to the political ambitions of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Wike dismissed his reported vice-presidential ambition, describing his candidacy as “dead on arrival”.

He questioned Amaechi’s record in office, raising allegations concerning funds reportedly earmarked for fumigation, the construction of a general hospital and the planting of trees along Aba Road.

Wike also challenged Rivers residents to consider the impact of Amaechi’s administration before supporting his political ambitions.

On his political arrangements ahead of the 2027 elections, the minister said discussions and decisions had been ongoing for more than two years.

He disclosed that he had conceded 13 political seats to the APC and three to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), adding that his supporters had been sensitised on how to support candidates across the two parties.

Wike also criticised Amaechi over his involvement of family members in political controversies, referring to previous remarks involving his mother and more recent comments concerning his wife.

The FCT Minister’s comments come amid growing political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections and tensions surrounding the proposed Rainbow Coalition and the APC’s political arrangements in Imo State.