– APC Refutes Claims of Wike’s Influence on Rivers Chapter
On Tuesday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed allegations that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, holds sway over the decisions of the party’s Rivers State chapter.
The party emphasized that Wike, the former Rivers governor, is neither an APC member nor participates in their political gatherings.
Chief Tony Okocha, Chairman of the Rivers APC caretaker committee, addressed reporters at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. He revealed that despite earnest attempts to persuade Wike to join the APC, they remain convinced that the FCT minister will stay loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Okocha stated, “I find it amusing when I hear such claims. Wike is an unwavering PDP member, while we represent the APC. Should we be at odds with him simply because he serves as a minister in our APC-led government?”
He continued, “Wike doesn’t attend our meetings. We’ve held discussions with stakeholders, but Wike was never present. So how could he possibly influence the APC in Rivers State? His perceived influence stems from his role as a minister in an APC administration. We can’t be hostile towards him, but to suggest he influences us is baseless. Does he finance our operations or participate in our meetings? The answer is no.”
Okocha also shed light on why former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi is no longer referred to as a party member. Amaechi, who competed against President Bola Tinubu in the 2022 presidential primary, has since distanced himself from party activities.
The Rivers APC chair revealed that Amaechi had instructed the state party secretary not to invite him to any further meetings. Okocha explained, “Regarding Amaechi, I have no comment. I served as his Chief of Staff. You’ll recall he became unreachable during his time at law school. After the presidential primary, he vanished.”
“As for his party membership status, I can’t say. He’s been absent from all our meetings. In fact, when we organized a meeting for former governors and ministers, Amaechi warned the party secretary never to contact him about party matters again. So, you’d have to ask him where his allegiances lie. I certainly don’t know,” Okocha concluded.