The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC), branding them “politically lazy” for opposing his proposed Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governors, under the leadership of their chairman and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, had earlier vowed not to participate in, support, or endorse any political alliance capable of undermining President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid or weakening APC candidates at any level of government.
Reacting during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time programme on Tuesday, Wike dismissed the governors’ concerns, insisting that his support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition did not amount to abandoning his own political party or conceding that other parties should be barred from fielding candidates.
“They are politically lazy. When you have your local problems, don’t use Mr President as your excuse,” Wike said.
Not a New Fight, Says Wike
The minister argued that resistance to his political activities predates his backing of Tinubu, noting that similar friction trailed him during his tenure as Rivers State governor and continued into his time 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 further claimed to possess deeper insight into the political undercurrents than his critics, suggesting their objections would soften if they had access to the same information available to him.
“If they know what I know, they would not come out to shout,” he said.
Support for Tinubu Separate from Party Politics, Wike Insists
The former Rivers State governor reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Tinubu, but stressed that this stance was distinct from the affairs of 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?” he asked.
Citing the examples of Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Wike argued that backing a presidential candidate does not preclude a party from presenting candidates in other elections.
“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 Defends 2023 Decision on Zoning Grounds
Wike also revisited his decision to back Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, explaining that it stemmed from his conviction that political power should rotate to the South following the administration of former President 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.
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