Former South-East spokesman for President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign, Denge Josef Onoh, has weighed in on the growing disagreement between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement made available to Naija News, Onoh examined Wike’s political history, his recent exchanges with APC governors and the implications of his activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Onoh argued that Wike’s political career has involved intense contests with political opponents and the use of established political structures to advance his interests and challenge rivals.

The former campaign spokesman also responded to Wike’s comments concerning the voting performance of governors in the South-East during the 2023 presidential election.

According to Onoh, the region’s voting pattern during the election was significantly influenced by the popularity of former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, who contested the presidency under the Labour Party.

He maintained that the political circumstances in the South-East were different from those in other parts of the country and should therefore be considered within their specific political context.

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Onoh also urged Wike to recognise the political and administrative differences between Abuja and Rivers State, where the minister previously served as governor.

The former campaign spokesman referenced controversies surrounding demolition exercises and disputes involving properties belonging to prominent individuals as examples of issues that attract heightened attention in the Federal Capital Territory.

According to Onoh, actions taken in Abuja often receive broader scrutiny because the capital is home to diplomatic missions, international organisations and foreign media outlets.

He warned that politically sensitive developments in the nation’s capital during an election period could attract international attention and influence perceptions about Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The comments come amid an increasingly public disagreement between Wike and several APC governors over political alliances and activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

Wike, who remains a minister in the APC-led Federal Government, has continued to support President Tinubu while maintaining his position outside the APC. His political activities have also included involvement in the so-called Rainbow Coalition, an arrangement involving politicians across party lines.

Onoh described Wike’s current political position as a “friction zone,” arguing that his continued influence within political structures associated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alongside his position in an APC-led administration, could generate tensions with members of the ruling party.

He further claimed that some APC governors were concerned that Wike’s approach to political competition could contribute to disagreements within the governing party.

Onoh also questioned the objectives of the Rainbow Coalition, suggesting that the arrangement could have implications beyond its stated support for President Tinubu.

He argued that the President should consider the possible consequences of political arrangements that support his administration at the federal level while also involving candidates who may contest against APC candidates in state-level elections.

The disagreement highlights the complex political relationships developing ahead of the 2027 general elections, with politicians and political groups positioning themselves across party lines.

While Wike has publicly maintained his support for Tinubu, APC governors have expressed opposition to political alliances they believe could undermine the party or its candidates.

Onoh’s intervention adds another perspective to the ongoing debate, particularly regarding the relationship between Wike’s federal appointment, his political networks and the activities of APC governors.

The political discussions are expected to remain prominent as parties and politicians prepare for the 2027 electoral cycle. However, the precise political consequences of the competing alliances will depend on decisions by the individuals and parties involved as the election approaches.