The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that a court ruling has invalidated his preferred candidate for the Rivers State governorship election, urging critics to wait for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to release its official list of candidates in July. Wike’s comments come after a Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt upheld a lower court’s decision that nullified the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in Rivers State, which had seen Kingsley Chinda, a close ally of the Minister, emerge as the party’s governorship candidate following Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s withdrawal.
The court, presided over by Justice Elfreida Oluwayemisi Williams-Dawodu, also declared void the party’s leadership congress that led to the appointment of Chief Tony Okocha as APC chairman in Rivers State. This decision has sparked debate, with some political actors, including Emeke Bekee, asserting that the court’s ruling effectively dismissed Chinda’s nomination. However, Wike rejected this interpretation, stating that Bekee lacks a full understanding of the electoral process and should refrain from making premature conclusions.
“Let us wait till July. In July, the candidates of the parties will be published by INEC. We are tired of hearing from people who have lost out,” Wike said during a public address. He emphasized that only INEC’s final list will determine who is officially recognized as a candidate, regardless of court rulings or internal party disputes. The Minister also noted that several other associates of his had successfully emerged as candidates for the APC in the upcoming 2027 National Assembly and State Assembly elections, underscoring his continued influence within the party.
While addressing broader national issues, Wike expressed concern over the recent abductions of citizens in Oyo State, including teachers. He condemned the violence, stressing that no profession or location should shield individuals from such crimes. However, he cautioned against politicizing the crisis, which he said was being done by some quarters for partisan gain. Wike’s stance reflects his consistent position of prioritizing national security over political narratives.
The Rivers State political landscape remains tense as parties and stakeholders await INEC’s official announcement. The court’s decision has added uncertainty to the APC’s internal structure and candidate selection process. Nevertheless, Wike’s call for patience signals a strategic move to maintain momentum for his allies while allowing the electoral body to finalize its procedures. As the July deadline approaches, all eyes will be on INEC to determine who will officially contest in the 2027 elections, and whether Wike’s candidates will be included.
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