morgANABLE politics/elections
The concerns are largely tied to Wike’s continued political engagements, especially his promotion of the Rainbow Coalition, a political arrangement that has stirred controversy within the ruling party.
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Leaders of the All Progressives Congress are weighing political options ahead of the 2027 presidential election amid growing concerns over internal tensions and the activities of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Investigations revealed that some aggrieved governors and key stakeholders within the ruling party are increasingly uneasy about recent political developments, particularly Wike’s rising influence and his role in ongoing alignments that cut across party lines.
Sources within the APC, who spoke with Punch News on condition of anonymity, disclosed that a number of party leaders are quietly considering alternative strategies, including the possibility of backing other presidential candidates if internal grievances are not addressed.
The concerns are largely tied to Wike’s continued political engagements, especially his promotion of the Rainbow Coalition, a political arrangement that has stirred controversy within the ruling party.
Although Wike has consistently maintained that the coalition is intended to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, some APC leaders view the development with suspicion.
Party insiders said the unease is particularly pronounced among governors, including those from Ogun, Kwara and Imo states, who are said to be dissatisfied with what they perceive as the minister’s confrontational style and public criticism of party leaders.
One source said, “Many governors and key leaders are not happy with the way Wike has been conducting himself. His constant media attacks and the manner he speaks about influential party figures are becoming a source of concern. Some of them are already exploring alternatives.”
The source added that Wike’s assertion that he possesses significant political influence capable of delivering electoral victories has further heightened tensions within the party.
“Some governors believe that the minister is overstating his influence while undermining their own political structures. This has created a sense of unease, and many are beginning to question how this will affect the party’s chances in 2027,” the source said.
Another party insider disclosed that the APC National Working Committee is closely monitoring the situation but is yet to take a definitive position, as it awaits guidance from President Tinubu.
According to the source, “The leadership of the party is looking up to the President to provide direction. There is an expectation that he will intervene and address the concerns being raised before they escalate further.”
Wike, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party who is currently serving in the APC-led Federal Government, has been at the centre of the unfolding political drama.
His involvement in the Rainbow Coalition and his open disagreements with some APC governors have deepened divisions within political circles.
During a recent media interaction, Wike accused the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, of contributing to the challenges he faces politically. He linked their opposition to his expanding political influence and the activities of the coalition.
The Rainbow Coalition, according to Wike, is designed to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s presidential ambition while allowing its members to support candidates from other parties, including the PDP, in state and legislative elections.
He argued that backing Tinubu at the presidential level does not prevent him or others from supporting candidates of their choice in other contests.
However, this position has drawn criticism from within the APC. The Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, recently reiterated that APC governors would not support any alliance or arrangement capable of weakening the party ahead of the next general elections.
Uzodimma said the governors were committed to working for the success of APC candidates at all levels and would resist any political manoeuvre that could undermine party unity.
The growing tensions have sparked concerns about the cohesion of the ruling party as it prepares for the 2027 elections.
Analysts warn that unresolved disputes could weaken the APC’s electoral prospects if not carefully managed.
A political analyst and former President of the Nigerian Political Science Association, Prof. Hassan Saliu, said the party must prioritise reconciliation and inclusive engagement to maintain its dominance.
He noted that President Tinubu would need the support of both APC governors and influential political figures like Wike to build a broad coalition capable of securing victory in 2027.
Similarly, a former National Organising Secretary of the APC, Eze Duru, emphasised the importance of managing competing interests within the party.
He said the APC’s success in previous elections had depended not only on internal cohesion but also on alliances with actors outside the party.
According to him, “The reality of Nigerian politics is that elections are won through broad coalitions. The APC must find a way to harmonise the interests of its members and allies if it hopes to remain competitive.”
Meanwhile, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party has also weighed in on the unfolding situation.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, urged Wike to support its presidential candidate, Senator Sandy Onor, instead of backing President Tinubu.
Mohammed described Wike as a “political phenomenon” and expressed optimism that he could be persuaded to align fully with the PDP ahead of the election.
“If there is any way we can convince the minister to support our candidate, Senator Onor, we would be glad to do so,” he said, adding that such a move would strengthen the opposition’s chances.
However, the PDP is itself grappling with internal challenges. The Interim National Working Committee led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN) has criticised ongoing political realignments involving factions linked to Wike, describing some of the actors as “pretenders.”
The party’s Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the PDP would not tolerate actions that undermine its structure or credibility.
Back within the APC, concerns persist that Wike’s political activities could alienate key stakeholders and inadvertently weaken support for President Tinubu.
Another source warned that failure to address the situation promptly could have far-reaching implications.
“Some leaders are beginning to feel sidelined and disrespected. If nothing is done, they may decide to withdraw their active support. That could be dangerous for the party,” the source said.
He added that many party members are looking to the President to act decisively and restore confidence within the ranks.
As the 2027 election approaches, the APC faces the challenge of balancing internal dynamics while maintaining a united front.
