South-East APC backs govs, condemns Wike’s attacks

The All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in the South-East has rallied behind the Progressive Governors' Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, in response to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike's harsh criticisms of the governors. The APC South-East's joint statement, signed by the party's National Vice Chairman for the region and the party chairmen of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, condemned Wike's remarks as "most unfortunate, reprehensible, and completely unacceptable."

The South-East APC leaders argue that the governors are independently elected officials whose performance and electoral records should be respected. They accuse Wike of attempting to influence the political fortunes of these governors ahead of the 2027 elections. The statement emphasizes that Wike's criticisms were directed at governors who had achieved significant development in their states and secured over 25% of presidential votes in the 2023 election, giving them the right to be treated with respect.

The APC South-East also accused Wike of attempting to interfere with the political fortunes of serving APC governors in the run-up to the 2027 elections, highlighting that a minister has no authority over elected governors. The statement calls on Wike to withdraw his attacks on the governors and reassert "party discipline, mutual respect, and collective responsibility."

Furthermore, the APC South-East leaders reject Wike's described "rainbow (chameleon) coalition" and warn that the APC will resist any attempts to undermine its structures in the South-East region. They reaffirmed their support for the party's candidates from President Bola Tinubu to the State Houses of Assembly in the 2027 elections, stating that the APC is "bigger than any individual" and urging members to support the party's candidates across all levels.