Wike to APC Govs: You’re politically lazy

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has described APC governors as “politically lazy” and accused them of using President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid to cover up political challenges in their states.

Wike spoke on Tuesday night during a television interview while reacting to a communique issued by the APC Governors Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.

The governors had said they would not support any alliance capable of undermining Tinubu’s re-election or weakening APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

Wike said his support for Tinubu’s second-term bid does not mean he has abandoned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“They are politically lazy. When you have your local problems, don’t use Mr President as your excuse,” Wike said.

He explained that his “Rainbow Coalition” is intended to mobilise support across party lines for Tinubu’s re-election and does not prevent the PDP from fielding candidates in governorship, National Assembly and state House of Assembly elections.

Wike also cited the 2023 elections in Imo, Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu, arguing that voters supported different parties in presidential and other elections held on the same day.

He questioned how APC could win two Senate seats in Imo while receiving less than 15 per cent of the presidential vote in the state.

Wike further cited Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke and Abia Governor Alex Otti as examples of politicians who can support a presidential candidate while their parties field candidates for other positions.

The minister also criticised Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, accusing him of blaming him for his political challenges.

Wike maintained that his decision is to support Tinubu for a second term while remaining a member of the PDP, saying the two positions are not contradictory.