{
  "id": 8051330,
  "title": "Why APC govs oppose Wike — Tinubu’s ex-spokesman",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/why-apc-govs-oppose-wike-tinubus-ex-spokesman",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-17T16:00:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/why-apc-govs-oppose-wike-tinubus-ex-spokesman/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former South-East spokesman to President Bola Tinubu, Denge Onoh, has shed light on the growing conflict between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and APC governors. In a recent statement, Onoh attributed this conflict to Wike's long-standing history of employing political alliances to undermine established political structures. The source made these observations in response to Wike's recent media remarks in which he criticized APC governors who oppose his political activities, including his emerging \"Rainbow Coalition.\" Onoh pointed out that Wike's political platform had previously backed candidates in legislative and gubernatorial elections under the PDP, suggesting that the minister's political network remains connected to the opposition party. He argued that Wike's political survival depends on maintaining a state of perpetual conflict, as he was ousted from the APC-led Federal Executive Council while still maintaining ties to the PDP. The former spokesman emphasized that APC governors are understandably wary of Wike's activities due to their potential impact on the party's internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections. Onoh also suggested that Wike's \"Rainbow Coalition\" is part of a broader strategy to maintain political relevance and negotiate his position beyond the 2027 elections. He characterized Wike as the \"wrecking ball of the Jonathan Presidency,\" highlighting his consistent pattern of political controversies and his role as a political destabilizer. The source voiced these concerns only 24 hours after Wike described the governors as \"politically lazy\" for opposing his proposed alliance. The APC governors, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, have declared they will not participate in, support, or endorse any alliance that could undermine President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid or affect APC candidates at any level.",
  "summary": "A former spokesman to President Tinubu, Denge Onoh, says APC governors oppose Nyesom Wike over his history of using alliances to weaken political structure Read More: https://punchng.com/why-apc-govs-oppose-wike-tinubus-ex-spokesman/",
  "key_points": [
    "Former Tinubu spokesman Denge Onoh reveals APC governors' conflict with Nyesom Wike.",
    "Wike's political alliances undermine established structures, Onoh claims.",
    "Wike's \"Rainbow Coalition\" aims to maintain political relevance post-2027 elections."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Premium Times",
        "title": "2027: Wike says Otti backing Tinubu; Abia govt says ‘confirmation will come at appropriate time’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/2027-wike-says-otti-backing-tinubu-abia-govt-says-confirmation-will",
        "published": "2026-09-17T13:03:37.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "Tinubu’s ex-campaign spokesman reveals real reason APC govs are against Wike",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/tinubus-ex-campaign-spokesman-reveals-real-reason-apc-govs-are",
        "published": "2026-09-17T16:04:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}