Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma over their positions and actions in the unfolding political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike made the remarks while discussing the controversy surrounding his political activities, particularly the Rainbow Coalition’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid and criticism from some governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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The FCT Minister argued that opposition from some APC governors to the coalition was motivated by political interests rather than genuine concern for President Tinubu.

He also questioned why the governors were raising objections to the political arrangement only months before the 2027 elections.

According to Wike, he had publicly declared his support for Tinubu from the beginning but had never promised to join the APC.

The former Rivers State governor said his decision to support the President should not automatically be interpreted as an intention to become a member of the ruling party.

W — Wike Questions Abdulrazaq and Uzodinma’s Political Positions

Wike particularly criticised Kwara Governor Abdulrazaq, accusing him of spending too much time discussing political issues involving him instead of concentrating on governance in the state.

The minister alleged that Abdulrazaq frequently blames him for political or other challenges confronting the governor.

Wike also questioned the decision to replace all three serving senators representing Kwara State, as well as members of the House of Representatives, ahead of the 2027 elections.

He argued that such extensive changes in the party’s candidates could raise questions about the political strategy being adopted in the state.

Speaking about Abdulrazaq, Wike said the governor appeared to associate him with virtually every problem he encountered.

“The governor of Kwara, so unfortunate, anytime he sees a snake, it’s Wike. Anytime he sees a reptile, it’s Wike. Any day he doesn’t eat, it’s Wike.”

Wike further criticised what he described as an excessive focus on political gossip, saying elected officials should devote their attention to the responsibilities entrusted to them by voters.

His comments come against the backdrop of heightened political activity as parties and political blocs position themselves for the 2027 elections.

The minister also turned his attention to Uzodinma, who is the chairman of the APC Governors Forum.

Wike accused Uzodinma of acting against the interests of his political arrangement and used unusually strong language in describing the Imo governor’s activities within the APC.

According to Wike, the APC governors opposing the Rainbow Coalition were primarily protecting their own political interests.

He questioned the basis for their objections, particularly given his stated support for Tinubu.

Wike said he had made his position clear to the President from the outset and had never indicated that supporting the administration meant joining the APC.

The minister insisted that his political decisions would not be dictated by Uzodinma or any other APC governor.

“I said I will support the President from day one. I never told Mr. President I will join APC. Go and ask him,” Wike said during an interview with Arise News.

He added that if he eventually decided to join the APC, the decision would be his own and would not be based on instructions from the Imo governor.

Wike then criticised Uzodinma’s activities within the ruling party, saying the Imo governor was “doing rubbish” in the APC.

He also said Uzodinma was fortunate that he was not an APC member, arguing that his presence in the party would have led to a stronger challenge to what he described as unacceptable political conduct.

Despite the exchange, Wike reaffirmed his support for Tinubu and maintained that his position on the President was separate from his membership of any political party.

The comments highlight the increasingly complex political alignments emerging ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly as politicians from different political platforms engage in negotiations and strategic partnerships.

Wike’s remarks also underline the tension surrounding the Rainbow Coalition and its support for Tinubu, especially as some APC figures have questioned the political implications of the arrangement.

Meanwhile, Abdulrazaq and Uzodinma’s positions, as presented in Wike’s remarks, form part of a broader political contest involving party structures, candidate selection and alliances ahead of the next general elections.

With political activities expected to intensify as the 2027 elections approach, disagreements among political actors are likely to remain a prominent feature of Nigeria’s political landscape.