UZODIMMA, WIKE RIVALRY HEIGHTENS OVER TINUBU’S CAMPAIGN IN S’EAST, S’SOUTH

A quiet but growing political rift between Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is beginning to take a sharper turn.

The disagreement is rooted in political alignments and influence, particularly in Rivers State. Uzodimma and Wike reportedly fell out after the Imo governor backed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara during the impeachment attempt by lawmakers loyal to Wike. That support appears to have deepened tensions between both camps.

Amid this, a pro-Tinubu group, Ndigbo for Tinubu 2027 Forum (NDI-ABAT), has pledged strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. The group praised the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for his performance, especially road construction projects in the South-East, describing them as a major factor that could boost Tinubu’s popularity in the region.

Behind the scenes, there is also a growing contest over who controls the political structure needed to mobilise support for Tinubu ahead of 2027. While Wike has expressed confidence in his ability to deliver votes across several South-South states, including Rivers, Cross River, Edo and Bayelsa, Uzodimma maintains that the APC already has capable loyalists within its ranks and does not need outside influence.

Uzodimma has warned against relying on politicians whose loyalty to the party may be questionable, stressing that only committed party members should be trusted with such responsibility.

In what appeared to be a subtle response, Wike insisted that no external political figure, including governors, would determine electoral outcomes in Rivers State under his watch. He made it clear that he would resist any attempt to impose candidates or influence the state’s political direction.

The ripple effects of this power struggle are also being felt in other states. In Enugu, former minister Uche Nnaji, who is aligned with Uzodimma, is reportedly considering another governorship run, possibly under a different political arrangement. His move is seen as part of the broader rivalry involving Wike and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah.

Meanwhile, the NDI-ABAT group has continued to highlight federal projects in the South-East, particularly the reconstruction of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to the region. The group believes such developments will play a key role in securing electoral support for Tinubu in 2027.

As consultations and political manoeuvring intensify, the unfolding rivalry between key power brokers within the ruling party is expected to shape alliances and influence outcomes in the lead-up to the next general elections.