Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended his decision to support President Bola Tinubu’s bid for another term in 2027, insisting that no politician other than the President has the authority to question his political choices.
Wike made the remarks during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Tuesday, following renewed disagreement between him and governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress over his involvement in the proposed Rainbow Coalition.
The disagreement followed a meeting of APC governors in Abuja, where the forum reaffirmed its opposition to political arrangements that could weaken the party or reduce the chances of its candidates in the 2027 elections.
Speaking during the interview, Wike said his relationship with Tinubu should not automatically be interpreted as an alliance with the APC.
He explained that his commitment was specifically directed at the President’s re-election and did not amount to an undertaking to support APC candidates contesting governorship or legislative seats.
According to the minister, he had never approached the APC Governors’ Forum to negotiate an alliance with the ruling party.
Wike recalled that he and other members of the G5 had supported Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, saying his position had never been concealed.
He explained that his support for Tinubu in 2027 was influenced by his belief that presidential power should remain in the southern part of the country after the North has occupied the presidency for eight years.
The former Rivers State governor also rejected the argument that supporting Tinubu should prevent politicians from backing candidates of their respective parties in other elections.
He referred to Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, noting that both could support Tinubu at the presidential level while retaining their political affiliations and supporting candidates in legislative contests.
Wike further stated that Tinubu was fully aware of his political activities and that he had consistently informed the President about his intentions.
He also dismissed suggestions that the Rainbow Coalition was designed to make him politically stronger than APC governors.
Meanwhile, APC governors have maintained that their campaign efforts will remain focused on candidates officially fielded by the party.
Speaking after their emergency meeting, APC Governors’ Forum Chairman, Hope Uzodinma, said members would not support arrangements capable of creating divided loyalty, confusion or competing political interests within the party.
Uzodinma said the governors were committed to supporting Tinubu’s re-election alongside other APC candidates contesting various positions.
The controversy has reportedly affected political calculations in states including Kwara, Imo, Rivers, Gombe, Benue and Ondo, where candidates associated with the coalition are challenging some incumbent political structures.
In Ondo, allegations have emerged that some politicians who lost APC tickets may seek alternative platforms. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, however, has rejected accusations of involvement in anti-party activities.
The governor said he had never directed any aspirant to contest against an APC candidate and described such allegations as attempts by his detractors to discredit him.
The developing disagreement highlights the competing political interests surrounding the 2027 elections, particularly over whether support for Tinubu should extend to every APC candidate at state and legislative levels.
