Uzodimma, Wike rivalry deepens over Tinubu’s 2027 push in South-East, South-South

The political tension between Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Hope Uzodimma, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has intensified as both camps jostle for influence ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.

The rift, which has been simmering quietly, is rooted in Uzodimma’s support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara during the political crisis involving lawmakers loyal to Wike. That disagreement has since evolved into a broader power struggle over who controls mobilisation efforts for Tinubu in the South-East and South-South regions.

Investigations reveal that both leaders are positioning themselves as key figures in delivering votes for the President. While Wike has expressed confidence in his ability to secure strong support across several South-South states, including Rivers, Cross River, Edo and Bayelsa, Uzodimma maintains that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sufficient grassroots strength and does not need external political alliances.

Uzodimma has also warned against accommodating politicians with questionable loyalty, insisting that only committed APC members should drive the President’s campaign. He stressed that party loyalty must take precedence over personal alliances, echoing Tinubu’s stance on prioritising party interests.

In what appeared to be a response, Wike reaffirmed his dominance in Rivers politics, declaring that no sitting governor or external force would influence political outcomes in the state. Speaking at a high-level meeting involving APC and PDP stakeholders in Abuja, he cautioned against interference, especially from those seeking to back candidates in Rivers.

Wike, who has yet to openly endorse Governor Fubara’s second term despite a peace accord brokered by Tinubu, insisted he remains a decisive force in determining political outcomes in his state.

Meanwhile, the rivalry is also playing out in other states. Former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, aligned with Uzodimma, is reportedly considering a return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to contest the Enugu governorship again after losing in 2023. His move is seen as part of the broader contest involving Wike and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, with whom Wike has had disagreements.

Amid the political manoeuvring, a pro-Tinubu group, Ndigbo for Tinubu 2027 Forum (NDI-ABAT), has pledged strong electoral support for the President in the South-East. The group credited recent infrastructure developments, particularly the reconstruction of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway under the supervision of Works Minister David Umahi, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to the region.

The group described Umahi’s performance as instrumental in boosting Tinubu’s acceptance in the South-East, urging the President to rely on loyal party figures to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 elections.

As political alignments continue to shift, the rivalry between Uzodimma and Wike is shaping up to be a significant factor in the battle for influence and electoral control in Nigeria’s southern regions.