Wike, APC Governors and the Battle Over Tinubu’s 2027 Coalition

The dispute between Nyesom Wike and APC governors is being framed as a crisis in President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 coalition. I see a different issue: they may all want Tinubu to win, but they do not need the same outcome from every ballot. APC governors want a full party sweep, from the presidency to governorships, the National Assembly and state assemblies. Tinubu’s immediate interest is more direct: securing enough presidential votes, including votes from people who may still support other parties in local elections. Wike’s coalition is built around that distinction. His allies can support Tinubu for president while backing PDP, APGA, Accord or other candidates for governor and legislative seats. As argued during a recent television discussion, forcing Wike’s structure to surrender every local contest to APC could drive away voters who would otherwise support Tinubu. I stand with Wike on this issue. APC governors cannot rely on his networks for presidential votes and then demand that he hand them every other office. If Wike expands Tinubu’s support, governors should organise and win their own elections. That is partnership, not entitlement.

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