Governor Uzodinma Funmes Over Plans By Wike’s Allies To Make Samuel Anyanwu Next IMO State Governor

Indications have emerged that efforts by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to undermine the 2027 second-term ambition of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, may have hit a major obstacle, following growing support for the governor from several All Progressives Congress (APC) governors.

According to The Punch, party insiders disclosed that the fresh strain in the relationship between Wike and his successor was triggered by the decision of some influential APC governors to openly align with Fubara’s re-election project. This stance, according to the sources, did not sit well with the FCT minister, who is said to be strongly opposed to such backing.

The situation was further complicated by the apparent acceptance of Fubara within the national APC structure. Reports suggest that the Rivers governor has won the admiration of key figures in the party, many of whom have commended his developmental initiatives across the state, strengthening his standing within the ruling party.

Sources also revealed that tensions escalated after allies of Wike allegedly moved to promote former Peoples Democratic Party National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, as a potential governorship candidate in Imo State, without prior engagement with Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Uzodimma, who chairs the APC Governors’ Forum, was said to have taken offence at the move. In response, he and some of his colleagues reportedly began coordinating resistance against the perceived overreach by the FCT minister, further deepening the rift within the party’s power blocs.

“The plan is to weaken the FCT minister in his home state and reduce his influence and political power. This was further compounded by the fact that Wike is reportedly not favoured by some powerful members of the Tinubu administration.

“So, some All Progressives Congress’ governors mobilised their colleagues to support Fubara, and the result is what is playing out in the form of the renewed hostilities between the two men,” a senior APC official told The PUNCH on Monday night.

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