A group of APC governors in Nigeria are reportedly exploring a working arrangement with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 elections. This development comes amid rising tensions over the political activities of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. According to Yusuf Musa, an APC member and Arewa Consultative Forum chieftain, the discussions are driven by concerns that Wike's Rainbow Coalition could weaken the electoral prospects of APC candidates in several states.
The reported talks with Atiku Abubakar come against the backdrop of a widening dispute between Wike and some APC governors over his mobilisation efforts for the 2027 elections. Wike, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party who serves in the APC-led Federal Government, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu's bid for a second term. However, he has also argued that backing Tinubu at the presidential level does not require him to support APC candidates in governorship and legislative contests.
The APC Governors' Forum, chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, has opposed arrangements it believes could damage the party's chances in 2027. Wike, in turn, has criticised some of his opponents, including Uzodimma, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. Musa said the governors could pursue alternative alliances if Tinubu and the APC leadership failed to settle the dispute.
Musa maintained that the governors' concerns were not centred on Tinubu's prospects of winning another term. Rather, they were worried about the effect of Wike's coalition on their own governorship and legislative races. The governors are reportedly not entertaining any fears that Tinubu will not win his re-election. However, their fears are rooted in Wike's claims that the President had already ceded nine states to his coalition in the governorship and legislative elections.
Wike has denied that Tinubu handed nine states to his coalition, although he has said the President knows about his political mobilisation and its objectives. Musa also pointed to the possibility that candidates backed by Wike could win on opposition platforms before later moving to the APC. This scenario is not unprecedented, as several governors have moved from opposition parties to the APC in the past.
The alleged engagement with Atiku Abubakar appears to be a possible countermeasure by the governors rather than proof that they intend to leave the APC. Atiku is expected to seek the presidency in 2027 under the African Democratic Congress. Musa had earlier warned that Wike's continued political activities could intensify divisions within the APC.
The development highlights the complex and fluid nature of Nigerian politics, where alliances and loyalties can shift rapidly. The APC governors' exploration of an alliance with Atiku Abubakar underscores their determination to protect their interests and electoral prospects in the face of rising tensions with Wike and his coalition.
Key points
- APC governors consider alliance with Atiku Abubakar amid tensions with Minister Nyesom Wike.
- The alliance is driven by concerns that Wike's Rainbow Coalition could weaken APC candidates' electoral prospects.
- The development highlights the complex and fluid nature of Nigerian politics.
