APC lawmaker backs Wike as tensions rise with party governors

A member of the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has come out in support of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. This comes as tensions increase between Wike and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors ahead of the 2027 elections.

Mr Jibrin, who represents Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in Kano State, called Wike an “asset” to the APC, even though he belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Wednesday, the lawmaker said Wike has made sacrifices for the ruling party by supporting President Bola Tinubu.

“Wike is an asset. He has made sacrifices for the APC, including ensuring that Rivers became an APC state,” Mr Jibrin said.

He added that APC members have benefited from Wike’s support for Mr Tinubu, both directly and indirectly. “Every member of the party has benefited directly or indirectly from Wike’s support for Tinubu,” he said.

Call for Unity

The federal lawmaker urged APC governors to see Wike as one of their own, despite his PDP membership. “APC governors should consider Wike as one of their own,” he said.

Jibrin’s comments come as a disagreement grows between Wike and some APC governors over his political activities and his backing for Mr Tinubu’s re-election efforts.

Wike has stated that he supports Mr Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, but he insists that the PDP should be allowed to field candidates in the governorship and legislative elections.

The former governor of Rivers State has also stood by his “Rainbow Coalition,” a group of politicians from different parties backing Mr Tinubu’s re-election, despite criticism from some APC members.

Managing Disagreements

Mr Jibrin said the disagreement should be handled carefully because both sides have a shared goal regarding Mr Tinubu’s 2027 ambition.

He also predicted that Mr Tinubu would win at least 65 percent of the total votes in the 2027 presidential election. He believes the president has become more popular since taking office and that his record gives him confidence in Tinubu’s chances.

“President Bola Tinubu does not have a record of losing an election,” Mr Jibrin said.

When asked how much support he expects for the president in 2027, he replied, “President Bola Tinubu will have nothing less than 65 percent of total votes cast in 2027. He has become more popular.”

Mr Jibrin served as the director-general of the Tinubu Support Groups during the 2023 presidential election campaign and has kept political ties with the president since then.