By Ben Adoga, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday denied involvement in the alleged screening of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting he does not know the party’s internal processes.
Wike spoke while addressing journalists after inspecting key infrastructure projects billed for commissioning by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of activities marking the administration’s third anniversary.
The Minister was responding to allegations that he interfered in the APC’s political arrangements in Rivers State, following reports that Governor Fubara had presented himself for screening ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dismissing the claims, Wike said he was neither a member of the APC nor involved in its activities.
“I’m not a member of APC, so I don’t know what is happening in their screening. I have also not seen the result of the screening, so it will be difficult for me to comment,” he said.
The former Rivers governor further stated that he and Fubara do not belong to the same political party and that the governor had not discussed any re-election plans with him.
“We’re not in the same party. He has not reported to me that he is recontesting or that he has any problem,” Wike stated.
In an apparent response to those accusing him of influencing political developments in Rivers State, the FCT minister added: “I’m not a native doctor, and I’m not a prophet, so I don’t have any role to play here.”
Wike, however, declared that the political “rainbow coalition” in Rivers State remains active and would be deployed ahead of the 2027 elections.
“That is the essence of the rainbow coalition,” he said.
Earlier, the Minister inspected several projects expected to be inaugurated by President Tinubu in June to commemorate his third year in office.
The projects include the 10-kilometre Karsana Road, the Dei-Dei–Jiwa–Gwagwa corridor, sections of Old Keffi Road, roads in the Institution District leading to Base University, Nile University and the Body of Benchers, as well as the new road linking Bill Clinton Drive to Tunga Madaki.
Expressing satisfaction with the pace of work, Wike said contractors handling the projects had assured him they would complete them before the scheduled inauguration.
“I’m very happy with what I have seen. Before the end of the month, they would have finished the streetlights,” he said.
“All these projects will form part of activities marking Mr President’s three years in office. Competent contractors are doing quality jobs, and we are happy with the progress,” Wike added.
