You Cannot Destroy APC Like PDP, Group Warns Wike

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Grassroots Organisation has cautioned that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, must refrain from destroying the APC, similar to his actions against the People's Democratic Party (PDP). The escalating conflict between Wike and certain APC governors over his endorsement of PDP candidates in several states has left some governors uneasy.

The APC Grassroots Organisation released a statement on Sunday, warning that Wike's introduction of his controversial Rainbow Coalition into the presidential campaign may undermine President Bola Tinubu's re-election prospects. The group highlighted how history has repeated itself, with Wike relying on lackeys from Kano and Edo States during his earlier opposition to the PDP, a strategy he is now attempting against the APC.

The APC Grassroots Organisation expressed concern that Wike may exploit his support for Tinubu's re-election bid to disrupt the party's existing structures and interests. The group pointed out that Wike's PDP G-5 alliance, which played a crucial role in Tinubu's victory in 2023, resulted in the loss of senatorial elections for three key members of the G-5.

The APC Grassroots Organisation noted that only Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde managed to win his election despite being part of the G-5, while others lost their positions. The group emphasized that Wike should not be allowed to operate as a parallel party structure simply due to his support for the president. While acknowledging Wike's endorsement of Tinubu, the organization warned that his Rainbow Coalition should not be viewed as a substitute for the APC's elected officials and formal structures.

The group stressed that Wike's admission that the coalition is not an official APC entity raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, especially if it leads to competing political interests among APC governors campaigning for Tinubu and other candidates. The APC Grassroots Organisation reaffirmed that President Tinubu already enjoys the backing of a robust network of governors, controlling 31 out of the 36 states, which could bolster his campaign.

The organization also questioned why Wike did not support Kingsley Chinda as the 2027 APC governorship candidate in Rivers State if he genuinely believed in his Rainbow Coalition's efficacy.