Rufai Oseni Says Wike’s Political Influence Is Shaping APC, Warns Governors

Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni has said the political influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is beginning to shape developments within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Oseni warned governors in states where Wike has political interests not to underestimate the minister’s influence, arguing that his relationship with President Bola Tinubu could have significant implications for political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections.

The journalist made the remarks on Friday during the What’s Trending segment of Arise Television’s Morning Show, anchored by Ojy Okpe.

His comments came amid developments surrounding the APC’s 2027 Imo West senatorial ticket, following a court ruling that nullified Governor Hope Uzodimma’s emergence as the party’s candidate and declared former governor Rochas Okorocha the rightful candidate.

Oseni referred to conflicting statements attributed to Wike and Uzodimma over President Tinubu’s position on their political activities. He recalled that Wike had claimed the President endorsed his proposed rainbow coalition, while Uzodimma later said Tinubu had directed them to work towards delivering the APC.

According to Oseni, the statements suggested that Wike currently enjoys considerable access to the President.

“The day Wike said that President Tinubu endorsed rainbow coalition, and Uzodimma came and he said, ‘No, we spoke to the president too. He said we should go and deliver APC’.

“It just means that it is Wike that has the closest proximity to the president as we speak today,” he said.

Oseni further argued that the influence of Wike’s proposed rainbow coalition was extending beyond Rivers State and affecting political calculations within the ruling party. He also compared Wike’s political influence with that of some governors, including Ademola Adeleke and Chukwuma Soludo.

“The effect of Rainbow coalition has started to permeate through Nigeria. Wike’s rainbow coalition is already shaping the APC. So what it means is that President Tinubu obviously tilts to the way of Wike,” he added.

On Uzodimma’s political future, Oseni said the Imo governor could still challenge developments within the APC, noting that his political history made it difficult to dismiss his influence.

He nevertheless cautioned governors in states where Wike has political interests to pay close attention to the unfolding political situation.

“When it comes to election matters like this, the dynamics are shaping and things are shaping up, and the rainbow coalition is going to play a prominent role in politics.

“So other states that Wike have interest, those governors shouldn’t sleep,” Oseni said.