Wike Denies Involvement in Court Judgment Against Uzodimma’s Senate Ambition, Questions His Fear of Rainbow Coalition

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied having any involvement in the Federal High Court judgement 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 an ongoing media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, describing allegations linking him to the judgment as mischievous.

The FCT Minister said he neither instituted the case nor knew the issues surrounding the legal dispute, insisting that he was not a member of the APC.

He, however, acknowledged his disagreement with Uzodimma over the governor’s Rainbow Coalition initiative, questioning why the Imo State governor appeared threatened by the political arrangement.

Wike alleged that the speculation about his involvement in the judgement followed Uzodimma’s reported warning to members of his political camp against participating in the Rainbow Coalition, including a threat to seize their vehicles.

He said: “I didn’t go to court; I’m not from APC. I don’t know what the issues are. People are saying that because a day before that judgement, 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?

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

Wike maintained that the priority of political leaders should be securing the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, arguing that political initiatives aimed at achieving that objective should not generate unnecessary controversy.

He also defended his friendship with former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, dismissing suggestions that the relationship would prevent him from maintaining his political positions.

“I owe no apologies that Rochas is my friend; after all, he has friends in Rivers State that are my political enemies. Will I go and kill them? No!” he said.

The minister further took a swipe at former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, questioning his record in office and criticising his administration’s handling of projects and public funds.

Wike specifically questioned the reported allocation of $14 billion for fumigation in Rivers State, claiming that residents continued to experience mosquito problems.

He also challenged Amaechi’s reported $39 million budget for the construction of a general hospital, alleging that the project did not produce a hospital that residents could identify.

Wike further accused the former governor of selling a gas turbine, questioning the benefits of his administration’s decisions to the people of Rivers State.

He maintained that he had no reason to support Amaechi politically, particularly in relation to the 2027 elections.