Tinubu May Not Be Happy With Wike Over Attacks on APC Governors — Party Chieftain

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aliyu Farouk, has said President Bola Tinubu may not be pleased with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over his recent criticism of governors elected on the ruling party’s platform.

Farouk made the comment during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, amid growing disagreements within the APC and wider political circles over Wike’s Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Wike recently described some APC governors as “politically lazy” while defending his coalition, which he said was designed to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

His remarks followed the rejection by the APC Governors’ Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, of political arrangements it said could weaken the party or undermine Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

Farouk said the APC was working towards a unified campaign structure at both national and state levels, with governors expected to coordinate campaign activities in their respective states.

He said the party could not stop Wike from expressing his views but acknowledged that his comments about APC governors had caused concern within the party.

“We are not happy with the way he called our governors, and I’m sure Mr President will not be happy either,” Farouk said.

The APC chieftain also questioned Wike’s claim that he had reached an understanding with Tinubu over his political activities ahead of the 2027 elections. Farouk said APC members were not aware of any such arrangement between the two politicians.

He urged party members to avoid publicly engaging Wike over the disagreements, saying the APC should remain focused on building its campaign structure.

Wike has maintained that his Rainbow Coalition is intended to support Tinubu at the presidential level while allowing opposition parties to contest against APC candidates in governorship and legislative elections.

The disagreement highlights the different political calculations emerging ahead of 2027, particularly over whether support for Tinubu at the presidential level can coexist with opposition candidates challenging the APC in other races.