‘I Won’t Support Uzodimma’s Ambition to Become Senate President’ – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he will not support Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma’s reported ambition to become the next President of the Nigerian Senate.

Wike made his position known on Monday while appearing on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout programme, where he discussed the political disagreement between him and some members of the All Progressives Congress.

The FCT minister questioned Uzodimma’s plan to leave the governorship after his tenure and pursue a Senate seat, saying he would not back his bid to lead the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

Wike also alleged that the Imo governor was working to influence the emergence of lawmakers who could support his ambition to become Senate President.

The latest statement comes amid a growing disagreement between Wike and the Progressive Governors Forum, which is led by Uzodimma.

The Progressive Governors Forum had last week said it would not support any alliance or political arrangement that could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s bid for another term or affect the electoral chances of the APC in the 2027 general elections.

The position was widely linked to the Rainbow Coalition, a political group involving members from different parties and associated with Wike, which has declared support for Tinubu’s re-election.

Wike, who remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, had earlier said the coalition was moving beyond the usual boundaries of political parties and seeking to build a broader platform focused on the interests of the states.

Uzodimma is seeking election to the Senate after leaving office as governor and has been linked with plans to contest for the position of Senate President.

However, the Senate amended its Standing Orders in May, introducing additional requirements for lawmakers seeking the presiding positions of the chamber.

Under the revised rules, a senator seeking to become Senate President or Deputy Senate President must have at least eight years of continuous experience in the Senate.

The amended rules also introduced ranking as a condition for nominations to the major leadership positions.

The ranking system covers former Senate presidents, former deputy Senate presidents, former principal officers and senators who have completed at least one term in the chamber. It also includes former members of the House of Representatives and first-term senators in situations where there are no other qualified lawmakers.

Another provision requires a senator seeking a principal office to have served two consecutive terms immediately before being nominated.

The changes could affect lawmakers elected to the Senate for the first time in 2027, particularly those who did not serve during both the Ninth and Tenth Senate sessions.

Such lawmakers may be unable to contest for key positions including Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Senate Leader, Chief Whip and Minority Leader under the new rules.

Wike’s latest comments come as political alignments continue to develop ahead of the 2027 general elections, with disagreements emerging among politicians and groups over alliances, party interests and the future leadership of the National Assembly.