Wike Says He Backed Uzodinma’s Re-election Despite PDP Ally Anyanwu’s Candidacy

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revealed that he supported Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma’s re-election bid despite the candidacy of his political ally, Sam Anyanwu, in the same contest.

Wike made the disclosure on Tuesday during a media chat in Abuja, where he addressed his strained relationship with Uzodinma over the Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Anyanwu, a former National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), contested against Uzodinma in the Imo State governorship election.

Wike said he backed Uzodinma for a second term despite Anyanwu’s position as the PDP candidate, using the decision to highlight his previous support for the governor.

“When you see Hope Uzodinma, ask him, when he was going for a second term, did I support him or not?” Wike said.

“I supported Uzodinma against the PDP candidate who was my national secretary.”

The FCT minister’s comments come amid a reported fallout between him and Uzodinma over the Rainbow Coalition, a political group formed by Wike ahead of the 2027 elections.

The disagreement reportedly followed Uzodinma’s efforts to discourage All Progressives Congress (APC) governors from supporting the coalition.

Despite the rift, Wike maintained that the Rainbow Coalition would continue, dismissing suggestions that opposition to the group could stop its activities.

“Rainbow Coalition has come to stay and there is nothing anybody can do about it,” he said.

Wike also said he preferred dealing with people he considered straightforward, adding: “I deal with people who are straight forward.”