Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike told journalists on Thursday in Port Harcourt that he will not endorse Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for the role of Senate President, warning that the governor appears intent on leaving his governorship early to chase the Senate seat.
What sparked the minister’s vow?
Wike explained that the disagreement began when Uzodimma, acting as chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, openly opposed Wike’s cross‑party initiative known as the Rainbow Coalition. The coalition, according to Daily Post, is designed to rally votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections while still allowing members to back PDP candidates for other offices.
How did the political rivalry develop?
Wike recounted that he backed Uzodimma’s re‑election bid in 2023, siding against the PDP’s own candidate, Sam Anyanwu, who also serves as the party’s national secretary. “When you see Hope Uzodimma, ask him, when he was going for a second term, did I support him or not? I supported Uzodimma against the PDP candidate who was my national secretary, Sam Anyanwu,” Wike said.
Why does Wike oppose Uzodimma’s Senate ambitions?
The minister argued that Uzodimma’s true issue with the Rainbow Coalition is his personal aspiration to become Senate President. He accused the governor of planning to vacate his gubernatorial office, which is set to end in January 2028, in order to contest the Senate in 2027.
What was Wike’s definitive statement?
“This man’s office will expire in January 2028. Now he wants to leave his office to run for the Senate. I will never support the character of Hope Uzodimma to be Senate President of Nigeria,” Wike declared.
What does the Rainbow Coalition represent?
Rainbow Coalition is Wike’s cross‑party movement aimed at delivering a unified vote for President Tinubu while permitting members to continue supporting PDP candidates for legislative and gubernatorial seats. Wike insisted the coalition is permanent and cannot be undermined.
The minister’s remarks underscore a widening rift within the ruling alliance, as internal power struggles surface ahead of the 2027 general elections. Observers note that the clash could influence both the Senate leadership contest and the broader political calculus for the upcoming presidential race.