A support group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the APC Grassroots Organisation, has expressed concerns over the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike's, alleged attempts to cause divisions within the party. The group, in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Mukhtar Tanimu Rabiu, alleged that Wike's political tactics could undermine the cohesion of the APC, particularly through his activities involving the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF).
The APC Grassroots Organisation criticised Wike's political activities, citing his past involvement with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Rabiu alleged that Wike's actions contributed to divisions within the PDP and warned against a repeat of such developments within the APC. The group also questioned Wike's influence, stating that his self-acclaimed "street credibility" was not evident in the 2023 general elections, where several members of his faction, the G-5 governor alliance, lost their bids.
The group criticised the APC National Working Committee (NWC), led by National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for its perceived silence over Wike's alleged involvement in the affairs of APC governors. The APC Grassroots Organisation argued that while individuals were free to support President Bola Tinubu, such support should not translate into the creation of parallel structures capable of competing with the APC's elected officials and organs.
The organisation urged the APC leadership and its stakeholders to safeguard the party's internal structures and prevent disagreements over the 2027 elections from undermining its cohesion. The group also contested the narrative that Wike and the defunct G-5 governor alliance were the primary drivers of President Tinubu's 2023 victory, citing electoral statistics that showed several members of the alliance lost their bids.
The APC Grassroots Organisation questioned Wike's political maneuvers in his home state of Rivers, asking why the Minister allegedly lobbied the APC leadership to field his ally, Kingsley Chinda, as its 2027 governorship candidate rather than running him under the opposition banner. The group warned that Wike's "Rainbow Coalition" risks derailing President Tinubu's campaign by creating parallel political interests.
The statement adds to growing friction between the FCT Minister and APC governors, who recently reaffirmed that they would not support any political arrangement capable of weakening the ruling party or compromising its candidates at any level. The APC Grassroots Organisation's concerns reflect a broader debate within the party over Wike's influence and the potential implications for the 2027 general elections.
The APC already commands 31 state governorships and a robust network capable of delivering electoral success without external, divisive factions. The group further questioned Wike's motives, suggesting that his actions may be driven by self-interest rather than a genuine desire to support the party.
Key points
- The APC Grassroots Organisation has raised concerns over FCT Minister Nyesom Wike's attempts to cause divisions within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The group criticised Wike's past involvement with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and warned against a repeat of such developments within the APC.
- The organisation urged the APC leadership to safeguard the party's internal structures and prevent disagreements over the 2027 elections from undermining its cohesion.
