Wike denied involvement in the Rivers APC screening dispute

Nyesom Wike has distanced himself from the controversy following the screening of candidates by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, stating that he has no role in the internal affairs of the party.

Speaking to journalists on Monday during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in the Federal Capital Territory ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary in office, the former governor of Rivers State said he could not comment on processes carried out by political parties to which he does not belong.

“I am not a member of the APC, so I don’t know what happened in their screening. Even if they published the results, why should I comment? I don’t know their reasons,” Wike told journalists during an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects across the Region, ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

The FCT Minister stressed that he preferred to focus on issues that directly relate to him rather than speculating on matters outside his remit.

“What concerns me is what I will talk about, not what is not my business. I am not a native doctor, nor am I a prophet,” he said.

Addressing political developments ahead of the 2027 elections, Wike disclosed that his political alliance in Rivers State would take strategic decisions based on electoral realities and cross-party influences.

“That is the essence of the rainbow coalition in Rivers State. We will see where we have strengths, compare notes and vote accordingly,” he said.

During the inspection exercise, the minister visited a number of major road and bridge projects nearing completion in Abuja and expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded by the contractors.

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According to him, the contractor has assured the government that the remaining work, especially the installation of street lights, will be completed before the end of May.

“We are very happy. They promised that before the end of the month, the street lights will be finished,” he said.

Wike also provided an update on the Dutse-Alhaji-to-M5 road project, and explained that the work handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation has been substantially completed except for the installation of final street lights.

“The road has been completed and the CCCC contractor promised that in the next 10 days they will complete the street lights. We are very comfortable and happy,” said Wike.

He further praised the progress of the mega bridge project in the capital, and noted that the structure has been launched while work on the link road is still ongoing.

“The bridge has been inaugurated, and they have started the connection that will direct traffic from here to Kubwa. This is a wonderful thing. We are happy,” he said.

The Minister added that some of the completed projects would be commissioned as part of activities scheduled to commemorate the third anniversary of President Tinubu’s tenure.

“Part of the projects repaired by the President will be inaugurated. Quality work carried out by very good contractors. We are happy. The excellence is there,” he added.

Responding to complaints of alleged harassment by Abuja City Area Council officials during tax enforcement operations, Wike acknowledged that tax collection often creates tension but maintained that no official report had been submitted to the FCT Administration.

“There must be a civilized way of collecting taxes, but because we know the taxpayers, people don’t like paying taxes. When tax collectors come, they look for excuses,” he said.