Wike Accuses Uzodinma, AbdulRazaq of Working Against Him Ahead of 2027

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has accused the governors of Imo and Kwara states, Hope Uzodinma and Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, of working against his political interests despite the support he said he had previously given them.

Wike made the allegations during a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he also reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. He said personal disagreements with some APC governors would not stop him from working to secure Tinubu’s return to office.

The minister said AbdulRazaq had been leading what he described as a campaign against him in Kwara and alleged that the governor had accused him of backing political candidates opposed to his preferred choices. Wike said he had confronted the governor over the issue and argued that AbdulRazaq should appreciate the political platform he provided for some aggrieved APC figures.

Wike also recalled his strained relationship with Uzodinma, saying the Imo governor had previously refused to support him despite the assistance he claimed to have offered. He insisted that he had never hidden his political intentions and challenged those accusing him of working against APC governors to identify the support they had provided during his own political struggles.

Wike recalls 2023 strategy against Atiku

Wike also revealed details of the strategy he and his allies used during the 2023 presidential election to weaken the chances of then-PDP candidate Atiku Abubakar.

He said his group deliberately supported Peter Obi in the South-East because they believed Atiku was the major political threat within the PDP. Wike said former Benue State governor Samuel Ortom was also part of the strategy, particularly because of his opposition to the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.

The FCT minister said he expected to face consequences if Atiku or Obi defeats Tinubu in 2027 because of his outspoken support for the President. He said he was prepared for the political consequences and remained focused on Tinubu’s re-election.

Wike further predicted that Tinubu would secure at least 25 per cent of the vote in every northern state, while Atiku would struggle to reach 10 per cent in several southern states. He specifically listed Plateau, Nasarawa, Kwara and Kogi among North-Central states where he expects Tinubu to perform strongly.

Wike attacks Amaechi, NBA

The minister also renewed his criticism of former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, who is running as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in the 2027 presidential race. Wike alleged that Amaechi’s past handling of the judiciary in Rivers State made him unsuitable for the vice presidency.

He also criticised the Nigerian Bar Association, accusing the professional body of taking a political position during its recent national conference. Wike argued that the NBA should remain focused on defending the rule of law rather than becoming involved in partisan political activities.

On reports that he planned to relocate from Abuja to Rivers State, Wike dismissed the claim, saying his frequent visits were intended to maintain contact with his political base and monitor developments ahead of the 2027 elections.

Wike says states must account for subsidy gains

Wike also weighed in on the debate over the use of increased government revenues following the removal of the petrol subsidy. Responding to Peter Obi’s criticism of the management of the additional revenue, he said the states and local governments should be questioned about how they spend the funds allocated to them.

He maintained that Tinubu had no constitutional authority to dictate how states or local governments should spend their increased allocations, describing the three tiers of government as independent.

The former Rivers governor praised Tinubu for removing the fuel subsidy, describing the decision as one previous administrations had avoided. He, however, said states must now account for how they use the additional revenue they receive.