Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has alleged that his disagreement with the All Progressives Congress Governors’ Forum is linked to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State’s alleged ambition to become Senate President in 2027. Wike made the allegation during an interview with TVC News on Monday. The FCT minister also maintained that President Bola Tinubu was aware of his political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The controversy surrounding the formation of the Rainbow Coalition led to the APC Governors’ Forum, led by Uzodinma, distancing itself from the coalition. The governors argued that the coalition’s activities could undermine the political ambitions of some members of the ruling party. Wike subsequently described the APC leaders as “lazy politicians”, escalating the disagreement between the FCT minister and some figures within the party.
Wike alleged that Uzodinma’s political ambition was behind the opposition to the Rainbow Coalition. “All this noise against the Rainbow Coalition is about the ambition of Governor Hope Uzodinma to be Senate President in 2027,” Wike said. He further dismissed suggestions that his activities were unknown to Tinubu, insisting that the President was aware of the formation and activities of the coalition.
The FCT minister said he continued to enjoy the President’s backing, although he did not provide details of any specific communication between him and Tinubu concerning the coalition. The disagreement comes amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with politicians and political groups exploring alliances and consultations.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a prominent political figure, has remained involved in discussions around the evolving political landscape despite his position in the Tinubu administration. Uzodinma, who chairs the APC Governors’ Forum, has meanwhile emerged as one of the party’s influential figures as governors and other stakeholders continue to deliberate on the party’s direction ahead of the next general elections.
Wike’s latest comments have added another dimension to the disagreement over the Rainbow Coalition, particularly concerning the reported ambitions of political figures within the ruling party. The development has since generated further debate within the APC as political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections continue to take shape.
The 2027 general elections are expected to be a critical moment for Nigeria's political landscape, with various stakeholders positioning themselves for the contests. As politicians and political groups solidify their alliances, the implications of Wike's allegations and the formation of the Rainbow Coalition will likely continue to reverberate within the APC and the broader Nigerian political scene.
Key points
- Wike alleges Uzodinma's ambition to become Senate President in 2027 is behind the opposition to the Rainbow Coalition.
- Wike claims President Tinubu is aware of his political activities, including the formation of the Rainbow Coalition.
- The disagreement between Wike and APC governors reflects the growing political activity and evolving alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
