Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s minister of the Federal Capital Territory, said divisions in President Bola Tinubu’s political camp could affect his 2027 election prospects and hinted at a post-vote campaign review, BusinessDay reported.
At a media discussion in Port Harcourt on Nov. 5, Wike urged allies to put the election effort first while resolving disagreements over party nominations and competing interests, the outlet said. “We don’t want a crack in our team,” he said, according to BusinessDay.
BusinessDay reported that Wike raised the prospect that politicians passed over for party tickets could shift to the ADC. He said party decisions needed careful handling to keep such figures from leaving Tinubu’s camp.
Wike said the campaign period was not the time to air complaints that might distract from Tinubu’s bid. “I will speak out,” he told the outlet. BusinessDay also reported his view that supporting Tinubu should not silence allies with legitimate concerns.
BusinessDay reported that Wike denied having any role in a Federal High Court ruling affecting Imo State Gov. Hope Uzodimma’s bid for an Imo West Senate seat in 2027. Wike said suspicion arose after Uzodimma publicly opposed the coalition before the court decision, and that some people blamed him for the ruling.
Wike said he did not bring the legal case or take part in the proceedings, and that he was not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He also said he had no knowledge of internal party disputes over the nomination.
BusinessDay linked Wike’s political disagreement with Uzodimma to the governor’s opposition to the proposed Rainbow Coalition. Wike said the group was meant to enlist politicians from different parties for Tinubu’s 2027 effort. The coalition has endorsed Tinubu and put forward candidates for Rivers State races, as EconoTimes reported in its coverage of the coalition’s slate.
Wike said he planned to discuss his grievances after the presidential election, BusinessDay reported.
