I’ll never support Uzodimma for Senate President – Wike

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has stated that he will not back Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma's bid for the position of Senate President following the 2027 elections. During a recent appearance on TVC's Journalists’ Hangout, Wike expressed his opposition to Uzodimma's ambitions, citing disagreements with other All Progressives Congress (APC) governors over the creation of his proposed Rainbow Coalition.

The disagreement stems from concerns that the opposition to the coalition might be an effort to manipulate the composition of the next National Assembly leadership, including the roles of Senate President and Speaker. Wike argued that all governors are under the impression that they could select senators or House of Representatives members who would be under their influence when it comes to deciding the next leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

He specifically criticized Uzodimma, who heads the Progressive Governors’ Forum, for seeking to assume the Senate presidency after his term as governor of Imo ends. Wike emphasized that Uzodimma's office will cease in January 2028, making any aspirations for higher office premature. Furthermore, Wike highlighted that politicians who were unsuccessful in the APC nomination process might find alternative platforms for contesting the 2027 elections, which could result in lawmakers not aligned with the governors' control.

Wike clarified that his Rainbow Coalition is not an attempt to undermine the APC but rather a platform to support President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027. He assured that coalition members would be able to support Tinubu for president while backing their preferred candidates in other contests. Wike further expressed his encouragement for his supporters to vote for Tinubu, despite being a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He noted that he was the one urging his followers to vote for the APC's President Tinubu, who should not be concerned about voters being confused on election day, as there are three ballot papers available. The ongoing conflict between Wike and Uzodimma has intensified, as Uzodimma has vocally opposed political arrangements that he believes could impact the APC and its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.