Wike vs Uzodinma: You need to step in now – Sambo to Tinubu
Arise News Director Calls for Presidential Intervention in Political Rift
Arise News Director and Politics Editor Sumner Sambo has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the escalating political conflict between Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, is currently at odds with Uzodinma and other governors within the All Progressives Congress (APC). Sambo criticized President Tinubu for what he described as political weakness in handling the tensions that have emerged, particularly as the 2027 presidential election approaches.
Recently, the APC governors, led by Uzodinma, publicly distanced themselves from Wike’s Rainbow Coalition, further exposing the rift between the two factions. In response, Wike asserted that the Rainbow Coalition operates independently of the APC, challenging Uzodinma and others to address their local political issues rather than leverage the President’s re-election campaign for their own aims.
Wike emphasized his support for Tinubu’s re-election, claiming that his dispute with the APC governors stems from their desire to impose candidates within his political framework.
During a segment on Arise News on Tuesday, Sambo remarked that the feud appears to have personal undertones, specifically between Wike and Uzodinma. He called on President Tinubu to mediate in the situation.
“It’s a challenging moment for Wike, particularly with the collective opposition of the APC governors,” Sambo stated. “He is a resilient individual, but the President’s intervention is necessary as the conflict resembles a personal dispute.”
So far, Uzodinma has faced pressure in his roles, including leading the Progressive Governors Forum and serving as the Secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, while also being a senatorial candidate. Observers have noted that he may be managing too many responsibilities simultaneously.
Sambo expressed concern that the public discord among APC governors highlights President Tinubu’s difficulties in unifying party members. He suggested that the President’s political prowess should come into play to help alleviate growing tensions.
He also raised questions about the timing of the APC governors’ statements, wondering if the recent release of INEC lists, which revealed Wike’s backing of numerous candidates, prompted the APC’s public distancing from the minister.
“In six key states, the influence of the Rainbow Coalition is significant,” Sambo noted.
