APC Southeast Leaders Demand Wike Apologise for Criticising Governors' 2023 Election Performance
APC Southeast leaders, including National Vice Chairman Ijeomah Arodiogbu and state chairs from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo, demanded FCT Minister Nyesom Wike withdraw his comments and apologise to governors for questioning their political capacity and opposing his 'Rainbow Coalition.' The statement, issued Thursday, highlighted that APC governors mobilised significant support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, securing over 25% of presidential votes in their respective states and delivering tangible development projects.
Wike, a PDP chieftain serving in the APC-led federal government, has promoted the Rainbow Coalition to support Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid, initially originating in Rivers State during his governorship. APC governors oppose the coalition, arguing it undermines the party ahead of 2027 elections and alleges Wike uses it to bolster politicians who lost APC primaries but now run under PDP. The PDP backs Wike's mobilisation despite fielding Sandy Onor as its 2027 presidential candidate, while APC national leadership remains silent on the dispute.
The governors' coalition rejection, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, frames the conflict as a struggle over party integrity versus ministerial influence in electoral politics. With the 2027 election cycle approaching, this intra-APC tension in the Southeast highlights competing visions for Tinubu's re-election strategy and party cohesion.
How should Southeast voters interpret this leadership dispute as they evaluate party alignment and candidate viability for the 2027 elections?