Nyesom Wike has distanced himself from the controversy surrounding the screening of aspirants by the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, insisting that he has no role in the party’s internal processes.
Speaking to journalists on Monday during an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory, Wike made it clear that the matter was outside his concern as he is not a member of the APC.
“I am not a member of the APC, so I don’t know what is happening in their screening. Even if they publish the results, why would I comment? I don’t know the reasons they have,” he said.
The minister was emphatic in drawing the line on issues he considers outside his political jurisdiction.
“What pertains to me is what I will talk about, not what does not concern me. I’m not a native doctor, neither am I a prophet,” he added.
Wike’s comments come amid growing political tension in Rivers State following intense speculation over the screening of governorship aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.
His remarks are likely to attract political attention given his continued influence in Rivers politics despite his current role in President Tinubu’s cabinet.
On political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections, Wike hinted that his political camp in Rivers State would adopt what he described as a pragmatic strategy.
According to him, electoral decisions would be guided by political strength rather than rigid party affiliations.
“That is the essence of the rainbow coalition in Rivers State. We will look at where we have strength, compare notes and vote accordingly,” he stated.
The statement reinforces ongoing speculation about the structure of Wike’s political coalition in Rivers and the broader alliances likely to shape the state’s 2027 political landscape.
Beyond politics, the minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of major infrastructure projects across Abuja.
During the inspection tour, Wike commended contractors for maintaining project timelines and assured residents that several major projects would soon be completed.
He disclosed that contractors handling critical routes had pledged to conclude all outstanding works, including streetlight installations, before the end of May.
“We are very happy. They promised that before the end of the month, they would finish the streetlights,” he said.
Speaking on the Dutse-Alhaji-to-M5 road project, Wike said construction was progressing steadily.
He also revealed that the project being handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation had been substantially completed.
According to him, only streetlight installation remains.
“That road is already completed, and the contractor has promised that within the next 10 days, they will complete the streetlights. We are very comfortable and happy,” he noted.
Wike also praised progress on a major bridge project in Abuja.
He said the bridge had already been launched and work had commenced on the connecting roads that would direct traffic towards Kubwa.
“The bridge has been launched, and they have started the connection that will direct traffic from here to Kubwa. It is a wonderful thing. We are happy,” he said.
The minister disclosed that several completed projects would be commissioned as part of activities marking President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
“Part of these projects fixed by Mr President will be inaugurated. Quality jobs done by very good contractors. We are happy. The excellence is there,” he added.
On complaints of alleged harassment by officials of the Abuja Municipal Area Council during tax enforcement exercises, Wike acknowledged concerns around tax collection.
However, he said no formal complaints had been submitted to the FCT Administration.
“There must be a civilised way of collecting taxes, but knowing our taxpayers, people don’t like to pay tax. When tax collectors come, they find one excuse or the other,” he said.
What You Should Know
Wike’s comments are politically significant because of his continued influence in Rivers State despite serving in the Tinubu administration.
His refusal to comment on APC screening may be seen as an attempt to avoid direct involvement in Rivers APC disputes while maintaining strategic political flexibility.
His “rainbow coalition” remark also suggests that future political alignments in Rivers may cut across party lines, potentially shaping the state’s 2027 governorship contest.
