The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed allegations linking the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to the party’s ongoing screening process for aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking at the APC Secretariat in Port Harcourt, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Chibuike Ikenga, reportedly stated that Wike is not a registered member of the APC and therefore has no role in the screening exercise being conducted by the party.
The clarification followed widespread allegations that aspirants loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara were deliberately denied clearance, while candidates believed to be aligned with Wike were favoured during the screening process.
According to the APC, the screening exercise was transparent and conducted in line with party guidelines. The party disclosed that 98 aspirants participated in the exercise, with 33 reportedly cleared and 65 not cleared.
The APC also announced the establishment of an appeal committee to review complaints and petitions from aggrieved aspirants, assuring members that due process would be followed throughout the exercise.
Reacting separately to the controversy, Wike also distanced himself from the APC screening process, insisting that he does not interfere in the affairs of a party he does not belong to. The FCT Minister reportedly stated that he was “not a member of APC” and therefore had no reason to comment on the party’s internal screening activities.
The development comes amid renewed political tension in Rivers State as the rivalry between camps loyal to Wike and Governor Fubara continues to shape political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
