Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Hope Uzodimma, has declined to respond to remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, concerning his reported ambition to become President of the Senate after the 2027 elections.
Wike had on Monday declared that he would not support Uzodimma for the Senate presidency, while discussing disagreements between him and some All Progressives Congress (APC) governors over the proposed Rainbow Coalition.
Speaking during an appearance on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout, Wike alleged that some APC governors were interested in influencing the emergence of lawmakers who would eventually determine the leadership of the National Assembly.
He specifically linked the issue to Uzodimma, who is also chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum. Wike alleged that the Imo governor was positioning himself for the Senate presidency after completing his tenure as governor.
Wike said he would not support Uzodimma for the position, insisting that his position was based on political considerations rather than a personal disagreement.
However, when contacted for a response, Uzodimma chose not to engage directly with the FCT minister’s comments.
The governor, speaking through his Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Public Orientation, Declan Emelumba, said Uzodimma would not respond to the remarks “for obvious reasons.”
The exchange comes amid growing disagreements between Wike and some APC governors over his proposed Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Wike has maintained that the coalition is primarily focused on mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, while allowing politicians to support candidates of their choice in governorship and legislative contests.
The APC Governors’ Forum, however, has said its members will support the party’s candidates and oppose political arrangements that could weaken the APC or affect its candidates in the 2027 elections.
The dispute has brought Wike and Uzodimma into a public political disagreement, with the Senate presidency emerging as one of the issues being discussed as politicians prepare for the 2027 elections.
For now, Uzodimma has chosen not to publicly respond to Wike’s comments, leaving the minister’s allegations without a direct rebuttal from the Imo State governor.
