A growing political rift between Imo State Gov. Hope Uzodimma and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike is deepening tensions within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections.
The disagreement, rooted in opposing positions over Rivers State politics, is evolving into a broader struggle over who will lead efforts to mobilize support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in the South-East and South-South regions.
Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum, backed Rivers Gov. Siminalayi Fubara during an impeachment attempt by lawmakers aligned with Wike, a former Rivers governor. The fallout has strained relations between the two influential politicians.
Political analysts say the rivalry now centers on control of campaign structures and influence in key regions. Wike has said he can deliver votes for Tinubu and the APC across several South-South states, including Rivers, Cross River, Edo and Bayelsa.
Uzodimma, however, insists the APC has sufficient grassroots support and warned against relying on politicians outside the party.
“We do not want crafty politicians who want to exploit the APC under the guise of support,” he said, emphasizing party loyalty ahead of the elections.
Wike appeared to respond in a veiled warning, saying no external political figure would determine electoral outcomes in Rivers State.
“No governor can come into Rivers and impose a candidate,” he said during a meeting with political stakeholders in Abuja.
The tensions come as political realignments continue across southern Nigeria. Former Science and Technology Minister Uche Nnaji, aligned with Uzodimma, is reportedly considering a return to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to contest the Enugu governorship, highlighting shifting alliances.
Meanwhile, a pro-Tinubu group, Ndigbo for Tinubu for 2027 Forum, pledged strong support for the president’s re-election, citing infrastructure development in the South-East.
In a statement, the group praised the rehabilitation of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, describing it as a major achievement after decades of neglect. It credited the project to Works Minister David Umahi and Tinubu’s administration.
The group said improved infrastructure demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing longstanding concerns in the region and could boost support for Tinubu in the next election.
Analysts say the emerging rivalries within the ruling party could shape political alignments and influence electoral strategies as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 vote.
