The political disagreement between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress has intensified ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike has defended the proposed Rainbow Coalition, arguing that the political movement is primarily focused on mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election and does not prevent politicians from backing candidates of their choice in governorship and legislative elections.
The FCT Minister made the position known during an appearance on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout, days after APC governors publicly rejected political arrangements they believe could weaken the ruling party or affect its candidates.
The APC Governors Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, had stated that its members would exclusively support APC candidates at all levels of the 2027 elections.
Wike, however, maintained that supporting Tinubu for president does not automatically translate into supporting APC candidates in every other election.
He cited the experience of the G5 governors during the 2023 elections, noting that members of the group supported Tinubu’s presidential bid while their respective parties continued to field candidates for legislative and state elections.
According to Wike, a similar arrangement could emerge in 2027, allowing politicians to support Tinubu at the presidential level while backing candidates from other political platforms in governorship and National Assembly contests.
Wike Accuses APC Governors of Political Calculations
Wike also alleged that the resistance from some APC governors was connected to efforts to influence the composition and leadership of the next National Assembly.
He specifically mentioned Uzodimma, alleging that the Imo governor was positioning himself for the position of Senate President after leaving office.
Uzodimma has not publicly confirmed such an ambition in the report.
Wike said politicians who lose APC tickets could seek alternative platforms, win elections and subsequently refuse to support candidates preferred by some governors for leadership positions in the National Assembly.
He also stated that he would not support Uzodimma for Senate President.
The disagreement follows the APC Governors Forum’s September 15 declaration that it would not participate in or support any alliance capable of undermining Tinubu’s re-election, weakening the APC or adversely affecting the party’s candidates.
APC Governors Stand Firm
Uzodimma, speaking on behalf of the governors, said the forum’s campaign commitment remained exclusively with APC candidates.
The governors have maintained that their position is intended to protect the party’s structures and candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, Wike has continued to argue that the Rainbow Coalition is not designed to weaken the APC. He maintains that its objective is to mobilise support for Tinubu while allowing politicians to make separate choices in state and legislative contests.
The disagreement has also attracted reactions from APC leaders in the South-East, who have publicly backed the Progressive Governors’ Forum and criticised Wike’s comments about some APC governors.
Wike Rejects Report of Nine-State Deal
Wike also dismissed reports that Tinubu had agreed to concede nine states to the PDP or the Rainbow Coalition as part of a political arrangement ahead of the 2027 elections.
The minister challenged those making the claim to identify the nine states allegedly covered by such an agreement.
He said his immediate political objective was to support Tinubu’s re-election and campaign on what he described as the administration’s achievements, including its position on state police and the devolution of powers and resources to sub-national governments.
Wike further said Tinubu was aware of the Rainbow Coalition and understood his political activities.
For now, the dispute between Wike and the APC governors remains centred on whether support for Tinubu’s presidential bid can coexist with support for candidates outside the APC in governorship and legislative elections.
With the 2027 elections approaching, both sides have continued to defend their respective positions, leaving the political alliance debate as one of the emerging issues shaping the preparations for the polls.
