A senior presidential aide, speaking anonymously, indicated that the intervention is expected to occur abroad before the week concludes, while Tinubu is currently on vacation in France.
Wike, who belongs to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but serves in the APC-led government as the FCT Minister, has been advocating for the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, supporting Tinubu ahead of the upcoming elections. He has publicly accused Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma of obstructing his political initiatives, which Wike claims are fostering a platform for alternative candidates to challenge APC incumbents in pivotal elections.
In response to these allegations, Uzodimma, as chair of the APC Progressive Governors’ Forum, has made it clear that APC governors will not back any political maneuvers that threaten the re-election of Tinubu or jeopardize the party’s unity prior to the 2027 elections. He emphasized that the governors remain committed to APC candidates.
Wike defends his coalition, asserting that its objective is to bolster Tinubu’s presidential ambitions while simultaneously enhancing the PDP’s position in other elections against the APC. He maintains that supporting Tinubu does not equate to endorsing all APC candidates, allowing him to back candidates of his preference. Wike has criticized the APC governors as lacking political strength and capability to win in their respective states.
Moreover, APC leaders have expressed concern that unresolved tensions between Wike and the governors could jeopardize Tinubu’s re-election campaign. Thus, the presidential intervention aims to reconcile differences among the factions, ensuring unified support ahead of the elections.
In a related development, South-East APC leaders have rallied behind Uzodimma and the Progressive Governors’ Forum, denouncing Wike’s criticisms as “most unfortunate and unacceptable.” They stress the importance of party discipline and indicate that Wike’s political strategies could threaten the success of the APC in the upcoming elections.
Former House Minority Leader Farouk Adamu-Aliyu has warned that Wike should not be permitted to fracture the APC as he allegedly did the PDP. He acknowledged Wike’s contributions to weakening the latter but emphasized that Wike, not being an APC member, cannot dictate party dynamics. Adamu-Aliyu confirmed that the APC does not regret appointing Wike but cautioned against potential negative impacts from his actions. The party leaders collectively affirm their commitment to supporting APC candidates and strengthening the party’s stature ahead of the 2027 elections.
