AMIDST CHINDA DISQUALIFICATION SAGA, WIKE MAKES U-TURN.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has moved to dispel growing speculation over his preferred successor in Rivers State, insisting that no governorship aspirant has been officially chosen ahead of the state's next gubernatorial election.

Speaking at the Rainbow Coalition event in Port Harcourt last week, Wike reportedly corrected what he described as a wrong impression in political circles that a candidate had already received his endorsement.

"Let me correct one impression. We have not chosen who will be the Governor in Rivers State," the former Rivers governor stated, adding that it would amount to a disservice to his political family and supporters for anyone to suggest that an aspirant had already been officially endorsed.

According to him, every aspirant interested in the race still has a fair opportunity and should be allowed to test his popularity through the political process.

Wike's remarks have generated fresh interest because they come amid increasing uncertainty surrounding the political future of one of the prominent governorship hopefuls, Okey Chinda.

A legal challenge currently before the court is seeking to compel the Speaker of the House of Representatives to provide records and evidence regarding claims that Chinda resigned his position as Minority Leader and officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The development has fueled speculation that Chinda's eligibility could come under increased scrutiny if the court proceedings progress further. While no court has disqualified him, political observers believe the case has introduced a fresh dimension to the battle for Rivers State's top seat.

For months, Chinda has remained one of the major names associated with political calculations within the Wike camp. However, the ongoing legal dispute has raised questions about whether the political landscape could shift should the matter take an unfavorable turn.

Beyond the courtroom drama, critics of the FCT Minister have continued to accuse him of pursuing an Ikwerre agenda in the succession race, pointing to the fact that several leading governorship aspirants are from the Ikwerre ethnic nationality.

Adding another layer to the controversy, opposition voices have alleged that Wike may have a preference for a PDP governorship aspirant who is allegedly related to him by family ties. The claim, which has circulated widely in political discussions and on social media, has sparked public debate about the influence of personal relationships in the ongoing succession battle.

One of those raising such concerns is young politician Oraye Franklyn, who in a Facebook post alleged that the political calculations extend beyond ethnic considerations and may be driven by personal interests. He claimed that one of the PDP aspirants being linked to the succession conversation is a cousin of the FCT Minister.

The allegation has not been independently verified and no official response has been issued regarding the claim. Nevertheless, it has continued to generate discussion among political stakeholders and commentators across Rivers State.

Political analysts say Wike's latest declaration that no candidate has been chosen may be aimed at reassuring party members and the wider public that the process remains open and competitive. Others believe the statement may reflect a desire to avoid controversy at a time when legal and political pressures are mounting around some aspirants.

As Rivers politics continues to heat up, attention will remain focused on the outcome of the court case involving Okey Chinda, the growing debate over alleged favoritism, and Wike's insistence that no governorship candidate has yet received his blessing.

Whether Chinda overcomes the legal challenge, whether another aspirant emerges as the preferred candidate, or whether the allegations surrounding family ties prove politically significant remains to be seen.

For now, Wike's message appears clear: no one, at least officially, has been chosen to become the next Governor of Rivers State.