Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, has rejected claims that he interfered in the screening of aspirants for the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike made the denial while responding to reports linking him to controversies surrounding the party's selection process in his home state. The minister said such attempts to connect him to the screening exercise were baseless and designed to stir trouble within the party.
The FCT Minister has remained a central figure in Rivers politics despite his move to the federal cabinet. His relationship with the state APC structure has been subject to intense scrutiny, particularly as the party prepares for the next election cycle.
Wike's statement comes as the APC navigates internal tensions in various states. In Rivers, the party has faced questions about the credibility and fairness of its aspirant screening process, with some party members raising concerns about the methodology and transparency of the exercise.
The minister's denial signals his intention to distance himself from ongoing party management issues in Rivers, even as observers note his continued influence in the state's political affairs. The APC screening exercise is meant to produce qualified candidates for various positions in the 2027 general election.
Further details on the specific allegations Wike addressed were not immediately available. The party is expected to conclude its screening process in Rivers State before moving to the next phase of candidate selection.
