On Tuesday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) clarified that Nyesom Wike, former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), holds no influence over the party’s Rivers State chapter.
The APC emphasized that Wike is neither a member of their party nor involved in any of their political meetings.
Tony Okocha, Chairman of the Rivers APC caretaker committee, addressed the media at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, describing Wike as an “unrepentant” member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Okocha clarified, “Wike is a member of PDP, unrepentant PDP. We are APC here. Just because Mr. Wike is a minister under our government doesn’t mean we should be at odds with him. Wike doesn’t attend our meetings. He has no influence over the APC in Rivers State. His influence is solely because he is a minister under an APC government. We can’t be enemies with him, but to say he influences us is false. He neither pays our bills nor attends our meetings.”
Okocha also addressed the uncertain membership status of former APC chieftain Rotimi Amaechi. He recounted Amaechi’s recent disengagement from party activities, noting, “I was Chief of Staff to Rotimi Amaechi. After the presidential primary election, he disappeared from the political scene. Whether he is still a party member or not, I wouldn’t know because he hasn’t attended any meetings. For instance, we called a meeting for all former governors and ministers, and Amaechi sent a message to the party secretary warning not to contact him about party matters again. So, when you meet him, ask where he belongs. As for me, I don’t know where he stands.”
