Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni has warned governors in states where the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has political interests to take his growing influence seriously, arguing that the minister is increasingly shaping political calculations within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Oseni made the remarks on Friday during the What’s Trending segment of Arise Television’s Morning Show, anchored by Ojy Okpe.
The journalist suggested that Wike’s alleged closeness to President Bola Tinubu was becoming more apparent amid recent political developments involving Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and former governor Rochas Okorocha.
The comments followed a court ruling concerning the APC’s 2027 Imo West senatorial ticket, which reportedly removed Uzodimma as the party’s candidate and recognised Okorocha as the rightful candidate. The legal position and any subsequent appeal should be confirmed against the court’s decision.
Oseni also referenced Wike’s claim that Tinubu had endorsed his proposed rainbow coalition, as well as Uzodimma’s reported statement that the President had directed party leaders to work towards delivering electoral victories for the APC.
According to the presenter, the competing claims suggested that Wike had 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’,” Oseni said.
He added that the situation suggested Wike currently enjoyed close access to Tinubu.
Oseni further argued that the minister’s political influence was extending beyond Rivers State and could affect the APC’s internal calculations in other states.
“The effect of Rainbow coalition has started to permeate through Nigeria. Wike’s rainbow coalition is already shaping the APC,” he said, adding that Tinubu appeared to be leaning towards Wike’s political position.
The presenter also compared Wike’s political influence with that of some state governors, including Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State.
Commenting on Uzodimma’s political future, Oseni suggested that the Imo governor could still influence developments within the ruling party, noting that his political history meant his influence should not be dismissed.
He, however, cautioned governors in states where Wike has political interests against underestimating the minister’s role as political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections continue to evolve.
Oseni said the emerging dynamics could make Wike’s proposed rainbow coalition a significant factor in Nigeria’s political landscape.
