The National Action for Democracy (NAD) has sided with the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, in the ongoing rift between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group, in a statement made available to journalists and signed by Garbadeen Mohammed, said Governor Uzodinma represents the voice of the people and warned against actions capable of undermining party supremacy and democratic institutions.
The statement comes amid the controversy over Wike’s proposed “Rainbow Coalition”, a cross-party political arrangement which the minister has presented as part of efforts to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
NAD said it was concerned by recent comments by Wike against Uzodinma, arguing that the Imo governor was acting within the responsibilities of his office as chairman of the forum of APC governors.
According to the group, Uzodinma’s position on the Rainbow Coalition reflects the need to strengthen democratic institutions and protect the collective interest of the APC, particularly as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The organisation stressed that Uzodinma’s stance should not be construed as opposition to President Tinubu, noting that the PGF chairman has reaffirmed the commitment of APC governors to the President’s re-election and the success of the party’s candidates at all levels.
Wike had accused Uzodinma and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, of working against his political activities, while insisting that his support for Tinubu was principally directed at the President’s re-election and did not necessarily translate into support for every APC candidate.
The FCT minister also alleged that some APC governors are opposed to the proposed Rainbow Coalition because of concerns over possible attempts to influence the emergence of the leadership of the National Assembly after the 2027 elections.
NAD, however, maintained that Uzodinma’s position was consistent with his responsibilities as an APC governor and chairman of the PGF.
The group said the disagreement has highlighted a broader political debate over the relationship between support for a presidential candidate and loyalty to political parties and their candidates contesting governorship and legislative elections.
It urged political actors to resolve disagreements through dialogue, consultation and democratic engagement rather than personal attacks, and to shift attention towards issues affecting Nigerians, including governance, economic development, security and democratic accountability.
NAD noted that political differences are a normal feature of democratic practice, but stressed that such differences should be managed in a manner that protects the integrity of political institutions and respects the electorate.
The organisation called on Nigerians to carefully examine the positions, records, programmes and commitments of political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections and make informed decisions.
It commended Governor Uzodinma for what it described as his defence of the institutional interests of the APC and the Progressive Governors’ Forum, while urging all stakeholders to uphold democratic dialogue, tolerance and respect for divergent views.
