Wike draws fresh battle lines with APC govs

2027: Wike draws fresh battle lines with APC govs​Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike on Monday dismissed concerns by All Progressives Congress (APC) governors that his proposed Rainbow Coalition could undermine the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections. ​Speaking on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout, Wike said the coalition aims to mobilize support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election while allowing politicians to contest governorship and legislative seats on their respective party platforms. ​The minister alleged that APC governors oppose the coalition to protect their own political interests, particularly regarding the leadership of the next National Assembly. He specifically accused Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma of positioning himself to become Senate President. ​His comments followed a declaration by APC governors that they would exclusively support ruling party candidates in 2027. Uzodimma affirmed that the Progressive Governors Forum would not back non-APC candidates. ​Wike argued that backing Tinubu does not require abandoning candidates of other parties in sub-national contests. Citing the 2023 G5 experience, he noted that his group supported Tinubu for president while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won state and legislative seats in Rivers State. ​He rejected claims that cross-party voting would confuse voters. He alleged that governors fear aggrieved politicians denied APC tickets could win on alternative platforms and refuse to back the governors’ choices for Senate President or Speaker. ​Directly addressing Uzodimma’s reported ambition, Wike stated: “Life or death, I will never support a character of Hope Uzodimma to be the Senate President of Nigeria.” ​He added that his opposition was not personal, maintaining that political calculations should be judged on their merits. ​Wike also denied rumors that Tinubu agreed to concede nine states to the PDP or the coalition, challenging critics to name those states. He affirmed that Tinubu is aware of the Rainbow Coalition and understands his political approach. ​The FCT minister maintained that he would campaign on Tinubu’s record, citing the President’s support for state police and devolution of power. ​Meanwhile, APC sources revealed that the party’s National Working Committee plans to mediate the dispute upon the return of APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.