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) senatorial candidate for Imo West in the 2027 general elections.

Wike dismissed suggestions that he influenced the court’s decision, describing attempts to associate him with the judgement as mischievous.

He maintained that he had nothing to do with the legal proceedings and questioned why some people were attempting to link him to the development.

The FCT minister made the clarification during his ongoing media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he addressed questions surrounding the controversy and his political differences with the Imo State governor.

The judgement has caused reactions, particularly because of the disagreement between Wike and Uzodimma over the former governor’s Rainbow Coalition initiative.

Wike acknowledged that he had openly disagreed with Uzodimma over the initiative but insisted that such differences did not mean he was involved in the legal battle against the governor.

He explained that he was not a member of the APC and had no reason to interfere in the party’s internal affairs or proceedings before the court.

According to the former Rivers State governor, the allegations against him emerged because of comments Uzodimma reportedly made against the Rainbow Coalition shortly before the judgement was delivered.

Wike recalled that Uzodimma had warned members of his political camp against associating with the coalition, threatening to withdraw their official vehicles if they participated in the initiative.

He argued that the timing of the court decision had apparently encouraged some people to connect him with the legal action.

Dismissing the allegations, Wike said, “I didn’t go to court; I’m not from APC. 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 judgement came, they said it was me. How could it have been me?”

The FCT minister also used the opportunity to challenge Uzodimma over his opposition to the Rainbow Coalition, asking what the Imo governor stood to lose if members of his political camp associated with the initiative.

He questioned why the governor appeared uncomfortable with the coalition, insisting that political strength should not be measured by the ability to prevent others from participating in political arrangements.

Wike asked, “What is Hope Uzodinma afraid of in the Rainbow Coalition?”

He maintained that the central objective of the coalition was to mobilise political support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

According to him, political leaders should concentrate on securing the President’s re-election rather than creating disagreements over initiatives aimed at strengthening his political support.

Wike argued that there should be no controversy if individuals or political groups were willing to work towards Tinubu’s electoral victory.

He said, “Your business is to make sure Mr President wins elections. At the national assembly level, so many factors come in, including zoning. 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!!”

His reference to Rochas is connected to his political relationship with former Imo State Governor and Senator, Rochas Okorocha, whose political interests have featured in discussions surrounding the Imo West senatorial contest.

Wike’s comment also suggest that he does not consider his friendship with Okorocha a reason to avoid associating with other political figures or groups whose interests may conflict with those of his political associates.

He maintained that political relationships should not prevent individuals from pursuing their interests, adding that disagreements should not automatically be interpreted as hostility.

The minister further challenged Uzodimma to demonstrate confidence in his political strength instead of opposing the Rainbow Coalition or questioning the activities of those involved in it.

He said, “If he’s a strong man, he shouldn’t be afraid. You’re strong, whatever you see you take!”

Wike has repeatedly defended his Rainbow Coalition initiative, presenting it as a political platform intended to mobilise support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

However, he maintained that his priority remains the mobilisation of support for President Tinubu and questioned why the Rainbow Coalition should become a source of disagreement among individuals who share that objective.

He insisted that his personal relationships and political disagreements should not be confused with involvement in legal matters concerning the APC.