{
  "id": 8044000,
  "title": "South-East APC backs govs, condemns Wike’s attacks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/south-east-apc-backs-govs-condemns-wikes-attacks-8044000",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-17T15:10:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/south-east-apc-backs-govs-condemns-wikes-attacks/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The South-East branch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has backed the Progressive Governors' Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, in rejecting recent criticisms from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. A joint statement released by the APC South-East leadership and the party chairmen of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states condemns Wike's remarks as \"most unfortunate, reprehensible and completely unacceptable.\" The APC leaders argue that the governors are independent elected officials whose records should be respected, and that Wike's criticisms are an attempt to influence their political fortunes before the 2027 elections. The statement also accuses Wike of attempting to interfere with the political fortunes of APC governors ahead of the election, emphasizing that a minister has no authority over elected governors. The APC South-East leadership has urged the Minister to withdraw his attacks and return to party discipline and mutual respect.",
  "summary": "The All Progressives Congress leadership in the South-East has expressed support for the Progressive Governors' Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma. They have condemned recent criticisms of the governors by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, describing his remarks as \"most unfortunate, reprehensible and completely unacceptable.\"\n\nAccording to the South-East APC leaders, the governors are elected leaders who deserve respect for their performances and electoral records. They accused Wike of attempting to influence their political fortunes ahead of the 2027 elections. The governors, Punch reports, have delivered significant development in their respective states and secured more than 25 per cent of the presidential votes in their states in the 2023 election.\n\nThe APC South-East leadership, comprising the National Vice Chairman, South-East, Dr Ijeomah Arodiogbu, and party chairmen from five states, emphasized that the Progressive Governors are performing leaders whose records speak for themselves. They believe the governors should be treated with respect as independent elected leaders.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "South-East APC backs govs, condemns Wike’s attacks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/south-east-apc-backs-govs-condemns-wikes-attacks",
        "published": "2026-09-17T14:50:45.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Premium Times",
        "title": "Rainbow Coalition: APC South-east caucus backs governors, asks Wike to apologise for ‘disrespect’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/rainbow-coalition-apc-south-east-caucus-backs-governors-asks-wike-to",
        "published": "2026-09-17T19:43:22.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}