Political communications strategist, Ben Ukeji, has criticised the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) over its opposition to the Rainbow Coalition associated with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The criticism comes after APC governors, led by PGF Chairman and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, declared that they would not support or endorse political arrangements capable of weakening the party or affecting its candidates in the 2027 elections.
Wike has maintained that the coalition is focused on mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, while insisting that he remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and that the coalition does not represent the APC.
Speaking on Arise News on Wednesday, Ukeji argued that Wike was within his rights to support Tinubu while simultaneously advancing the interests of his political party.
According to him, Wike’s political activities should not be viewed as an attempt to undermine the APC, noting that the former Rivers State governor and members of the G5 played a significant role in the 2023 presidential election.
“Wike has clearly made his position known, and politics is about self-interest to a large extent. Wike is not a member of the APC, and I don’t see anything wrong with him working for the president and advancing the interests of his political party, the PDP,” Ukeji said.
He recalled that the G5 governors supported Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election and argued that Wike was again pursuing a political strategy based on his interests and convictions.
Ukeji urged the APC governors to concentrate on strengthening their own political structures instead of opposing Wike’s coalition.
“What the Progressive Governors should have done, if you ask me, is also go back to the drawing board and look at where they are and what they are not doing right,” he said.
He further described Wike as a political strategist, arguing that his support for Tinubu did not automatically translate into support for APC candidates in other electoral contests.
“They should stop working against a PDP man who is working to make sure his candidates come out victorious at the election. So, there’s nothing wrong,” Ukeji added.
The comments come amid growing differences between Wike and APC governors over the role of the Rainbow Coalition in the 2027 elections. Wike has insisted that the coalition is primarily focused on supporting Tinubu, while the APC governors have said their electoral commitment is to candidates contesting under the party’s platform.
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