President Bola Tinubu is expected to intervene in the growing political disagreement between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tinubu, currently on a three-week working holiday in Europe, is expected back in Nigeria this weekend.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the president may meet members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) as early as next week to address the dispute, which has intensified ahead of the 2027 general elections.
There are also reports that Wike, who is in Spain, may meet Tinubu in France before the president returns to Nigeria.
The development came barely two days after APC governors rejected any political alliance or arrangement they said could undermine the party or its candidates in the 2027 elections.
Led by PGF chairman and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, the governors said they would support only candidates officially sponsored by the APC.
Uzodimma said the governors would not participate in, support or endorse any alliance capable of weakening the party or adversely affecting its candidates.
The declaration was widely viewed as a response to Wike’s Rainbow Coalition, which the FCT minister has said is focused on mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election rather than supporting APC candidates in other elections.
Wike has maintained that his support for Tinubu does not amount to abandoning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that he remains free to support candidates of his choice in other contests.
He also criticised the APC governors for opposing the coalition, describing them as “politically lazy” and arguing that supporting a presidential candidate should not prevent parties from fielding candidates for governorship and legislative elections.
The dispute has created fresh tension within Tinubu’s political camp, with APC governors concerned about the activities of the Rainbow Coalition in their states.
Wike, however, has maintained that the coalition is not an APC structure but a platform for politicians across different parties supporting Tinubu’s second-term bid.
A source familiar with the development said Tinubu was expected to hear the concerns of the governors, Wike and other political stakeholders.
There was, however, no official confirmation of the proposed meeting as of press time.
LEADERSHIP sent text messages to the special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, seeking confirmation of the reported meeting, but he had not responded.
Another Presidency source disclosed that Tinubu was already aware of alleged moves by some aggrieved APC governors to undermine the party in their states.
The source said the President had spoken with Uzodimma over alleged involvement of some governors in anti-party activities and expressed concern that such activities could weaken the APC’s chances in the affected states ahead of 2027.
Uzodimma Is Not Amaechi, Aide Cautions Wike
The media aide to Uzodimma has warned Wike against making disparaging remarks about the Imo governor.
Nwamkpa, the governor’s Special Assistant on Print Media, said Uzodimma was not former Rivers State governors Rotimi Amaechi and Celestine Omehia, or current Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whom Wike had previously criticised.
In a statement, Nwamkpa said: “Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, two days ago, we heard the insults you directed towards our governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum.
“I fail to comprehend why you choose to confront anyone. Hope Uzodimma is cherished by the people of Imo. Any insult directed at Uzodimma is an affront to the people of Imo. I advise you to exercise caution.”
0 Comments