Wike denies role in court ruling against Uzodimma's Imo West senate ticket

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has denied any hand 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 elections.

Speaking at a media chat in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Wike called claims linking him to the ruling mischievous. He said he was not a party to the suit and is not a member of the APC.

"I didn't go to court; I'm not from APC," Wike said, explaining that people pointed at him because Uzodimma had warned his supporters about the Rainbow Coalition a day before the judgment.

Rainbow Coalition dispute

The minister did not hide his disagreement with Uzodimma over the Rainbow Coalition, a political structure pushing for President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027. He asked what the Imo governor was afraid of, saying the coalition's aim is simply to make sure the President wins.

Wike said the focus should be on Tinubu's victory, while factors like zoning would shape outcomes at the National Assembly level.

He also defended his friendship with former Imo governor Rochas Okorocha, saying he owes no apologies for it even though Okorocha has friends in Rivers State who are his political opponents.

On the 2027 presidential race, Wike dismissed the candidacy of former Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi, now the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, saying it is "dead on arrival." He criticised Amaechi's record in office.

Wike further said he had conceded 13 seats to the APC and three to the PDP after about two years of consultations, adding that his supporters have been briefed on their roles.

What happens next

The court judgment leaves Uzodimma's senatorial ambition in doubt, and the APC in Imo will have to decide its next step. For now, Wike insists the fight over the Rainbow Coalition is not his.