Rivers APC Denies Rift Between Okocha and Wike, Explains Chairman’s Absence

The party said Okocha’s absence from the recent unveiling of candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections was due to a medical trip abroad and not any disagreement with Wike.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Rivers APC Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga.

According to the party, Okocha travelled overseas to seek medical attention after his health condition deteriorated. It added that the trip coincided with the coalition’s event in which candidates for the forthcoming elections were unveiled.

The APC further disclosed that its chairman obtained Wike’s approval before travelling, describing the FCT minister as the National Leader of the Rainbow Coalition.

“There is NO DISAGREEMENT whatsoever and the Chairman will reunite with the party executive and the Rainbow Coalition upon his return from his medical trip,” the statement said.

The party dismissed speculation about a possible breakdown in the relationship between the two political figures, accusing those circulating the reports of attempting to create divisions within the coalition.

It urged party members and supporters to disregard the claims, insisting that its relationship with Wike and other political groups in the alliance remained intact.

The Rivers APC also reaffirmed its commitment to working with parties aligned with the Rainbow Coalition to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

It specifically mentioned the coalition’s governorship candidate, Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, alongside other candidates endorsed for the forthcoming elections.

The party described the unveiling of the candidates as a successful event despite Okocha’s absence, maintaining that his temporary absence would not affect the coalition’s activities or political objectives.

Okocha’s absence from recent coalition engagements had generated speculation about his relationship with Wike, particularly amid reports of internal disagreements within the political structure.

However, the Rivers APC maintained that the chairman remained committed to the alliance and would resume his political engagements upon returning from his medical trip.