The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has dismissed reports of a disagreement between its State Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over the Rainbow Coalition.
The party said Okocha’s absence at the recent unveiling of the coalition-endorsed candidates for the 2027 general elections was due to his deteriorating health and ongoing medical treatment overseas.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, the Rivers APC Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, said the party chairman obtained approval from Wike and other relevant leaders before embarking on the medical trip, which coincided with the coalition’s unveiling ceremony.
Ikenga described reports of a rift between Okocha and Wike as false, accusing political opponents of spreading misinformation to undermine the party and the coalition.
He stressed that there was no disagreement whatsoever, adding that Okocha would reunite with the party’s leadership and the Rainbow Coalition upon his return.
The APC further reaffirmed its commitment to the Rainbow Coalition, describing it as a platform for political partnership, inclusion, power-sharing and credible elections.
The party also urged its members and supporters to disregard what it described as unfounded rumours.
It pledged to work with other parties aligned with the coalition to secure victory for President Bola Tinubu, the coalition’s endorsed governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Chinda, and other candidates for the National and State Assemblies in the 2027 elections.
