An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Farouk Adamu Aliyu, has expressed concern that recent comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, could create tensions within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Aliyu made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, while reacting to Wike’s criticism of APC governors and his defence of the proposed cross-party “Rainbow Coalition” aimed at supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
Wike had described some APC governors as “politically lazy” after they rejected his proposed coalition, arguing that his support for Tinubu did not mean abandoning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or preventing other parties from fielding candidates in the 2027 elections.
Aliyu rejected Wike’s description of the governors, saying the language was inappropriate, particularly as the APC prepares to mobilise support for its candidates.
He said Wike’s support for Tinubu was appreciated, but maintained that the FCT minister, who remains a member of the PDP, could not determine how the APC would organise its campaigns or select candidates.
“The language he used to call our governors lazy, that’s really in bad taste. And we, all members of APC, reject that statement.
“Wike cannot decide for us how we run our campaigns. Because, as I said, some of his utterances, we are now trying to convince people of some of the mistakes we have made; please give us an opportunity to make them up. So not to come and anger people to speak.”
Aliyu said the APC’s position was that support for Tinubu should be accompanied by support for candidates contesting under the party’s platform for the National Assembly and state legislatures.
“It is totally unacceptable for us, for any coalition, in such a way that votes for Tinubu and then votes for another party. We are worried that if he goes on like this, it will be more of an arbitrariness than an asset.”
He argued that a situation in which voters support Tinubu for president but choose opposition candidates in other elections could create difficulties for the president in working with lawmakers from his own party.
Wike, however, has maintained that his support for Tinubu is separate from his membership of the PDP. He has also argued that supporting a presidential candidate does not prevent political parties from presenting candidates for governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections.
Aliyu said the APC would continue to regard Wike as a member of the opposition PDP despite his role in the Tinubu administration.
He also warned that public disagreements between Wike and APC governors could generate resentment among Nigerians who are already dealing with concerns over economic conditions and government policies.
At the same time, the former lawmaker acknowledged Wike’s contribution to Tinubu’s political project, saying the party appreciated his support. He said the concern was that his recent comments could become a source of tension between him and APC members.
Aliyu called for restraint from both Wike and APC leaders, saying disagreements over political strategy should not escalate into public confrontations ahead of the 2027 elections.
Source : Channels Television
