The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has rejected claims by the Emeka Beke-led faction of the APC in Rivers State that a recent Court of Appeal judgment nullified decisions made by the Tony Okocha-led party leadership.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting projects in Abuja on Thursday, Wike said those making such claims had misunderstood the court’s ruling.
According to him, the case started when some party members obtained a court order from a Rivers State High Court to stop a congress meant to elect state party officials. The APC appealed, arguing that the state court lacked jurisdiction.
Wike explained that the Court of Appeal ruled that the High Court had the authority to hear the case and ordered that it be returned to the lower court for proper determination.
He stressed that the judgment did not cancel APC primaries or invalidate decisions made by the party’s national leadership.
“The matter is still pending before the High Court, and no one has been removed from office or sacked based on the Court of Appeal ruling,” Wike said.
Wike Stands by Remarks on Teachers’ Protest
The minister also defended his recent comments during a protest by members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in the FCT over the kidnapping of teachers.
Some critics had described his remarks as insensitive after he said the issue was being politicised. However, Wike insisted that his comments were misunderstood.
He said he never suggested that the government was unconcerned about insecurity or the plight of kidnapped teachers. According to him, every kidnapping case should be treated seriously, regardless of where it happens.
Wike recalled that he openly criticised the activities of the former Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) while serving as governor of Rivers State, even before the nationwide EndSARS protests.
He said the government sympathises with victims of insecurity and is working to secure the release of kidnapped persons, but warned against using security issues for political purposes.
“We appreciate the concerns, and government is doing everything possible to ensure those kidnapped regain their freedom. But insecurity should not be politicised,” he said.
Wike added that he would not withdraw or apologise for his comments.
“I stand by what I said. If anyone is unhappy with it, they are free to take whatever action they deem necessary,” he stated.
PDP Court Case
Wike also dismissed reports that the Court of Appeal had overturned a High Court decision recognising the PDP caretaker committee that produced the party’s current National Working Committee (NWC).
He said the appeal was dismissed, meaning the appellants lost the case.
“If an appeal is dismissed, it means the court did not agree with the arguments of those who filed it,” Wike explained.
He added that the Court of Appeal found that issues relating to the party convention had already been settled by previous court decisions, including Supreme Court judgments.
Wike challenged those claiming victory to present evidence to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which was a party to the case.
On 2027 Politics
The minister also commented on ongoing political discussions ahead of the 2027 elections. He questioned why some people were promoting a presidential candidate who had not publicly declared interest in the race.
“They say they have a presidential candidate, yet the person has not spoken for himself. People should be allowed to declare their own ambitions,” Wike said.
His remarks come amid continuing political developments in Rivers State and growing debates within opposition parties over leadership and preparations for future elections.
