The political battle ahead of the 2027 general elections appears to be gathering momentum, with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike taking aim at governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over their opposition to his Rainbow Coalition.
Wike dismissed the governors’ position as “politically lazy,” insisting that they should not hide behind President Bola Tinubu when addressing their concerns about the emerging political alliance.
The former Rivers State governor spoke while reacting to the APC governors’ declaration that they would not participate in, support or endorse any alliance capable of undermining Tinubu’s re-election bid or affecting APC candidates at any level.
Wike said the governors had no justification for opposing his political activities, stressing that his support for Tinubu was separate from his political affiliation.
“They are politically lazy. When you have your local problems, don’t use Mr President as your excuse,” Wike said.
According to him, the disagreement did not begin with the Rainbow Coalition, alleging that some of the governors had been unhappy with his political appointments and positions long before now.
“This thing did not start today. It started at ministerial position. They were not happy that I was Minister of FCT. Also, they were unhappy when I was governor,” he said.
Wike further suggested that the governors might not have the full picture of the political calculations surrounding the emerging coalition.
“If they know what I know, they would not come out to shout,” he said.
The FCT Minister also maintained that his support for Tinubu remained unchanged, arguing that such support should not prevent him from belonging to or supporting another political platform.
“I have said I will support the President and I am still supporting him. What has that got to do with my party?” he asked.
Wike also cited the political situations in Anambra, Osun and Abia states, where governors Charles Soludo, Ademola Adeleke and Alex Otti belong to different political parties, respectively.
“Take Soludo, Adeleke and Otti. Does it mean that their parties will not present other candidates? This thing they are saying does not have any basis,” he said.
He also revisited the political calculations that shaped the 2023 presidential election, saying he believed the presidency should remain in the southern region at the time.
“Recall that in 2023, as far as the President is concerned, it is my belief that it was the time of the South and so it would be unfair that it goes back to the North,” Wike said.
The latest exchange adds another layer to the growing political manoeuvring ahead of 2027, as parties, governors and emerging political alliances position themselves for the next general elections.
