Beware of APC Govs with Fake Political Clout, Tinubu Told

President Bola Tinubu has been cautioned by the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) to exercise caution when dealing with a group of "few pretending governors (FPGs)" within his own party. The PGF, led by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, believes that Nyesom Wike's Rainbow Coalition poses a distraction to their efforts to ensure Tinubu's re-election success. They urge the president to distance himself from the FCT Minister due to concerns about his loyalty, as he is a member of an opposition party.

However, Osita Okechukwu, a foundation member of the APC, has advised President Tinubu to be wary of falling for the distraction tactics of the FPGs. Okechukwu questioned the PGF's decision to create a fuss over an "elementary political matter" involving a minister serving in Tinubu's cabinet. He argued that the PGF should have approached the issue through the appropriate party mechanism instead of making a public spectacle.

Okechukwu further pointed out that many of the FPGs have used and abandoned their electorate, assuming powers they do not currently possess. He warned that it would be a political mistake for Tinubu to dismiss Wike based on the complaints of these disgruntled governors. According to Okechukwu, the APC governors should utilize their direct access to the president to voice their concerns, unless they are unaware of the purpose of the APC caucus.

The APC chieftain cautioned against falling into the "booby trap" created by the political legacy of a few APC governors who failed to deliver the promised dividends of democracy to their constituents. He emphasized that there is nothing inherently wrong with President Tinubu maintaining his political relationship with Wike, particularly in light of Wike's pivotal role in the 2023 presidential election.

Okechukwu stressed that the president has never neglected the governors and merely seeks supplementary votes from Wike, especially in states where the electorate is discontented and where some FPGs have alienated the people.

Okechukwu suggested that the governors should focus on strengthening their relationship with the electorate rather than asking the president to abandon a political alliance that could broaden the APC's electoral reach. He stated that the FCT Minister, Wike, will mobilize voters in states where the FPGs have alienated the electorate by personalizing power.

Finally, Okechukwu emphasized that President Tinubu has always acknowledged the role of the governors in his campaigns for a second term and that the president needs supplementary votes, particularly from political structures and constituencies where the electorate have been marginalized.