Wike Denies Involvement in Court Ruling Favoring Okorocha Over Uzodimma

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has denied any connection to a recent court ruling that removed Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District. The ruling instead recognized former governor Rochas Okorocha as the party’s nominee for the upcoming 2027 election.

Wike spoke during a live media chat on Thursday, responding to accusations that he was involved in the court case. He called these claims mischievous and insisted he had no part in the legal proceedings. “I didn’t go to court. I’m not in APC. I don’t know what the issue is,” he stated.

The controversy arose after a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that Okorocha, not Uzodimma, won the APC primary held in May 2026. The court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Okorocha as the candidate. This ruling followed a lawsuit from Okorocha challenging INEC’s earlier recognition of Uzodimma.

Wike also addressed rumors about a warning allegedly issued by Uzodimma just before the judgment. The governor reportedly threatened to seize vehicles from anyone promoting a “Rainbow Coalition” in Imo State. Wike criticized this threat as uncivilized, stating, “Very, very uncivilised.”

Wike clarified that a video showing him dancing with Okorocha was from a time when he hosted the former governor while he was still in office, emphasizing that it had no bearing on the current political situation.

Despite the ruling, the Imo State chapter of the APC has disputed it, and Uzodimma plans to appeal. The speculation linking Wike to the judgment is fueled by his political disagreements with Uzodimma, particularly regarding the proposed Rainbow Coalition aimed at supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Wike maintains that politicians can support the same presidential candidate while still backing different candidates in other elections. He believes that the priority should be ensuring that the president wins the election.