Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised All Progressives Congress (APC) governors over their opposition to his Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike described the governors as “politically lazy” after they rejected any alliance they believed could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid or affect APC candidates at any level.
The governors, led by their chairman and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, had said they would neither participate in, support nor endorse such an alliance.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Tuesday, Wike dismissed the concerns, arguing that his decision to support Tinubu did not mean he had abandoned his political party or supported the idea of preventing other parties from fielding candidates.
“They are politically lazy. When you have your local problems, don’t use Mr President as your excuse,” Wike said.
The FCT minister maintained that the disagreements over his political activities were not new, recalling that he faced opposition during his time as Rivers State governor and after his appointment as FCT minister.
“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 said his understanding of the political situation was greater than that of those criticising him, suggesting that access to the information available to him would give his critics a better understanding of his position.
“If they know what I know, they would not come out to shout,” he said.
The former Rivers State governor also reiterated his support for Tinubu, stressing that backing the President was separate from his activities within his political party.
“I have said I will support the President and I am still supporting him. What has that got to do with my party?” Wike asked.
He further referred to the political activities of Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, arguing that supporting a presidential candidate does not prevent political parties from fielding candidates for other positions.
“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.
Wike also recalled his position during the 2023 presidential election, saying his decision to support Tinubu was based on his belief that it was the South’s turn to produce the President after the administration of Muhammadu Buhari.
“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,” he said.
Source: Arise TV
