The ongoing feud between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has intensified as the general elections approach. Wike's Rainbow Coalition, a cross-party political movement, has united members from various parties to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election in 2027. This move has drawn criticism from APC governors, who claim it undermines their party's interests.
The APC Governors Forum has unanimously resolved not to participate in or endorse any alliance that could weaken the APC or affect its candidates. They argue that their campaign commitment is exclusively to APC candidates. On the other hand, supporters of Wike argue that his actions are not an interference in APC matters, but rather a genuine show of support for President Tinubu's re-election.
Wike has responded to the APC governors' criticism, describing them as "politically lazy" and accusing them of devoting more time to gossip than to their work. He cited his own achievements, stating that he has been on his own and not beholden to anyone. This exchange has sparked a heated debate, with some describing the feud as a clash between Wike's loyalty to the president and the APC governors' interests.
A renowned journalist, Lasisi Olagunju, has described Wike as a "survivalist tenant" in the APC's house of power, who is now confronting a constellation of APC forces. Olagunju noted that Wike's Rainbow Coalition is sailing through hostile political waters, with APC governors determined to stop it before it reaches the electoral battlefield.
The background of the feud lies in the outcome of the APC primaries in various states. Some governors, who denied their preferred candidates the tickets, are now crying foul over Wike's actions. Wike has vowed to support aggrieved APC members who lost out in the primaries, offering them tickets on the PDP platform. This move has raised concerns among APC governors that Wike's actions could destroy the APC's hegemony.
The implications of Wike's actions are far-reaching, with the potential to affect the APC's chances of having a majority in the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly. However, Wike believes that having aggrieved APC candidates in the PDP will ultimately help President Tinubu, as they will automatically vote for him. This scenario is playing out in several states, including Imo, Kwara, Gombe, Ogun, and Benue.
The situation is further complicated by the senatorial contest in Kogi Central, where Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan, a prominent figure in Wike's PDP faction, is competing against the godfather of the governor, Usman Ododo, who is close to Wike. The president is likely to intervene, cautioning both parties to focus on their respective lanes.
Key points
- Wike's Rainbow Coalition has sparked a heated debate over loyalty and party interests.
- The APC governors' criticism of Wike's actions has intensified the feud between them.
- The outcome of the feud could affect the APC's chances in the upcoming elections.
