Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged political opponents in Rivers State not to celebrate prematurely over recent court judgments affecting the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the final status of candidates for future elections will only be determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Wike made the remarks amid growing controversy surrounding judicial decisions that nullified certain APC congresses and primaries in Rivers State and reaffirmed the leadership of Emeka Beke within the party.
The court rulings have sparked widespread speculation over the fate of candidates believed to be aligned with Wike's political camp, with some observers suggesting that the judgments could affect their eligibility for future elections, including the 2027 general polls.
However, the former Rivers State governor dismissed such claims, maintaining that the electoral process had not reached a stage where conclusions should be drawn.
According to him, only INEC possesses the constitutional authority to publish and recognise the final list of candidates presented by political parties.
“In July, the candidates of the parties will be published by INEC. Let us wait till July. We are tired of hearing from people who have lost out,” Wike said.
The minister's comments come as rival groups within the Rivers APC continue to battle for control of the party structure, with the legal tussles creating uncertainty over the legitimacy of decisions taken by competing leadership blocs.
Political analysts say the eventual publication of candidates by INEC is expected to provide clarity on the implications of the court judgments and determine the direction of the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike also addressed the recent wave of kidnappings and abductions in parts of the country, including incidents reported in Oyo State.
He expressed sympathy for victims and their families, describing insecurity as a national challenge that requires collective efforts to tackle.
The FCT minister condemned the rising cases of criminality but cautioned political actors against exploiting security challenges for partisan purposes.
According to him, issues affecting the safety and welfare of citizens should not be reduced to political contests, stressing that all stakeholders must work together to support measures aimed at protecting lives and property.
Wike's intervention comes against the backdrop of heightened political activities in Rivers State, where party loyalists and opponents alike are closely monitoring ongoing court proceedings and awaiting INEC's next move on the status of APC candidates.
The minister maintained that until the electoral umpire releases its official list, claims about who has won or lost the political contest remain speculative.
