Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will not support Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma if he seeks to become President of the Nigerian Senate after the 2027 general elections.
Wike made the statement on Monday during an appearance on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout, while discussing his proposed political alliance, known as the Rainbow Coalition, and his growing disagreement with some governors of the All Progressives Congress.
The FCT minister alleged that some APC governors were seeking to influence the emergence of the next leadership of the National Assembly by supporting preferred candidates for the Senate and House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to Wike, such an arrangement could allow governors to determine who eventually emerges as Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Wike specifically mentioned Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum, alleging that the Imo governor was interested in becoming Senate President after leaving office as governor.
“I will never support a character of Hope Uzodimma to be Senate President of Nigeria,” Wike said during the programme.
Wike Defends Rainbow Coalition
The minister also defended his proposed Rainbow Coalition, insisting that it was not designed to weaken or undermine the APC.
Wike said the coalition’s major objective was to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 while allowing its members to make independent choices in other electoral contests.
He noted that he had continued to encourage his supporters, despite his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, to vote for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The minister argued that members of the coalition should be free to support Tinubu for president while choosing candidates from different political platforms for other positions.
Disagreement Over 2027 Political Arrangements
Wike’s latest comments further highlight his differences with Uzodimma and other APC governors over political strategies ahead of the 2027 elections.
He also suggested that politicians who fail to secure tickets during the APC’s nomination process could seek alternative platforms to contest the elections.
According to him, this could result in the emergence of lawmakers who are not necessarily controlled by state governors.
The disagreements come as political parties and political groups intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the composition and leadership of the next National Assembly expected to remain an important issue in the political discussions ahead of the polls.
