Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has said he will never support Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma’s ambition to become Senate President, accusing the governor of orchestrating opposition against him over fears of losing legislative influence.
In an interview with TVC, Wike linked the tension to Uzodimma’s political calculations ahead of the end of his tenure.
“Hope Uzodimma became a governor by taking fourth position. He has 11 months to leave office. President Tinubu will be inaugurated by May 2027, and Uzodimma’s tenure will end around January 2028,” Wike said. “Now, he wants to leave his office to run for Senate President.”
Wike claimed Uzodimma was urging APC governors to ensure their parties produce senators and House of Representatives members to secure support for his bid.
“Governor Uzodimma is afraid that the senators who lost in APC and moved to the PDP might win and won’t support him to become senate president because they’re running with Wike’s support,” he said. “Life or death, I will never support a character of Hope Uzodimma to become the senate president.”
On claims surrounding a “Rainbow Coalition,” Wike confirmed he had discussed its framework with President Bola Tinubu.
“Yes. I can tell you. You don’t need to go far. President Tinubu understands me so well. These people talking don’t know the assignments I’ve taken to do. Most of them can’t do it. The President knows about the Rainbow Coalition,” he said.
Asked whether Tinubu had promised him nine states, Wike rejected the suggestion. “God will bless you. Did they tell you the nine states? Don’t guess. Mention the nine states. You know President Tinubu. You have worked with him. Can you say Tinubu is someone who will concede nine states to me. To do what?”
