Leaders of Nigeria's All Progressives Congress (APC) are assessing their options for the 2027 presidential election amid growing tensions between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and some APC governors. Wike's political activities have raised concerns among party leaders, who view him as a potential threat to President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid. Some party stakeholders are reportedly considering support for alternative presidential candidates.
Wike, a PDP leader serving in the APC-led Federal Government, has been promoting the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State in support of President Tinubu. However, he has clashed with some APC governors, including Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma. Wike recently alleged that these governors were responsible for some of the political challenges he was facing, citing their opposition to the expanding influence of the Rainbow Coalition.
The APC Progressive Governors' Forum, chaired by Uzodimma, has stated that APC governors will not back any alliance or political arrangement that could undermine Tinubu's re-election or weaken the party. Uzodimma emphasized that the governors are committed to campaigning exclusively for APC candidates across all levels of government. Wike, however, maintains that his support for Tinubu's presidential ambition does not necessarily translate to endorsing APC candidates in the states.
Some APC leaders and governors are reportedly unhappy with Wike's continued media attacks and political activities against them. They are considering alternative political options, including supporting other candidates against Tinubu in the 2027 election. According to sources, Wike's actions are seen as disrespectful and belittling to the governors and other party leaders.
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, has urged Wike to support the party's presidential candidate, Senator Sandy Onor, instead of backing Tinubu. Mohammed believes that Wike's support would help bring an end to the administration of President Tinubu. The Tanimu Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee's Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, has criticized the ongoing political realignments involving the Wike-backed PDP group, describing those involved as "pretenders."
Political analysts, including Prof. Hassan Saliu and Eze Duru, have noted that President Tinubu needs the support of Wike and state governors to reconcile various interests within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. They added that the ruling party has also depended on support from politicians and groups outside the APC. The APC National Working Committee is awaiting President Tinubu's position before deciding on its next course of action.
The rift between Wike and the APC governors is likely to have significant implications for the 2027 election. If not addressed, it could lead to some party leaders and governors watching from afar as the election unfolds, potentially affecting the outcome of the presidential election. President Tinubu's intervention is being awaited to resolve the matter and nip it in the bud.
Key points
- APC leaders are considering alternative options amid growing tensions between Wike and some governors.
- Wike's support for Tinubu's presidential ambition does not necessarily translate to endorsing APC candidates in the states.
- The rift between Wike and APC governors may have significant implications for the 2027 presidential election.
