Kalu backs APC governors against Wike's alternative candidates, urges unity for Tinubu's 2027 re-election
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu stated earlier today that APC governors were right to oppose Nyesom Wike's Rainbow Coalition fielding alternative candidates in their states, saying he would not tolerate such moves if he were governor. Kalu made these comments in a Facebook video reacting to the clash between Wike and APC governors over the coalition's candidacy strategy.
The governors recently rejected Wike's coalition, arguing fielding other candidates hurts APC flag bearers including President Bola Tinubu's January 2027 re-election bid. Wike insists his coalition fully supports Tinubu and accuses some governors of laziness for not working for Tinubu in 2023. Kalu echoed the governors' position, declaring: "I cannot be a governor and you are sponsoring an alternative candidate in my state. I will not allow that to happen."
Kalu appealed for both sides to unite, urging a return to grassroots campaigning instead of Abuja conflicts. He emphasized that both the governors' forum and Wike have strengths needed for Tinubu's success, stating: "We need the governors' forum very well and we also need Minister Wike very well." The resolution of this internal APC conflict directly impacts the party's cohesion and effectiveness in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.