Some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have expressed concerns over the political activities of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party serving in the APC-led Federal Government. Wike's continued criticism of some APC governors and his activities through the Rainbow Coalition are creating tension within the ruling party. According to sources within the APC, Wike's approach could undermine President Bola Tinubu's efforts to secure re-election.
Wike has been championing the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State while publicly declaring support for Tinubu's presidential bid. However, the former Rivers State governor has maintained that his support for Tinubu does not mean he must support APC candidates in other elections. Wike recently alleged that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara and Governor Hope Uzodimma were behind some of the political difficulties confronting him, attributing their opposition to the Rainbow Coalition's growing influence.
Uzodimma, who chairs the APC Progressive Governors' Forum, subsequently said APC governors would not support any alliance or political arrangement capable of undermining Tinubu's re-election or weakening the party ahead of the 2027 elections. He said the governors remained committed to campaigning for APC candidates at all levels. Despite this, some APC leaders and governors, particularly those in Ogun, Kwara, and Imo states, are unhappy with Wike's political activities and are considering alternative options.
An APC source said the situation had become a source of concern among party leaders, alleging that some governors and stakeholders were now contemplating alternative political options because of their disagreement with Wike. The source said many of them are looking at alternatives, with some critical party leaders considering the fact that Wike has claimed that he has the power to deliver the President, even more than the number of governors supporting the President.
Another source described Wike as a potential threat to Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid, arguing that the minister's political confrontations with some governors could create opposition to the President within the APC. The source said some party leaders were waiting for Tinubu to intervene before the disagreement escalated, as it could have serious implications for the President in 2027 if not addressed.
Former APC Organising Secretary, Eze Duru, said Tinubu had a political strategy that involved securing support beyond the APC. Duru said the President would need the backing of governors, APC members, and politicians from other parties to pursue his 2027 electoral ambition. He added that Wike's support for Tinubu was part of the broader political arrangement around the President.
The development has sparked concerns within the APC, with many watching to see how Tinubu will navigate the situation. The President's ability to unite the party and secure the support of key stakeholders will be crucial in determining his chances in the 2027 presidential election.
Key points
- Some APC governors and leaders are considering alternative candidates against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election due to disagreements with Minister Nyesom Wike.
- Wike's political activities, including his support for Tinubu and the Rainbow Coalition, have created tension within the APC.
- President Tinubu's ability to intervene and unite the party will be crucial in determining his chances in the 2027 presidential election.
