Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that he will not support Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma’s reported ambition to become Nigeria’s next Senate President.
Wike made his position known on Monday while appearing on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout programme.
The FCT minister questioned Uzodimma’s plans to leave the Imo State Government House and return to the National Assembly after his tenure expires in January 2028.
“This man’s office will expire in January 2028. Now, he wants to leave his office to run for Senate. I will never support a character of Hope Uzodimma to be Senate President of Nigeria,” Wike said.
Wike also alleged that the Imo governor was working to influence the emergence of lawmakers who would eventually support his bid for the Senate presidency.
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The latest exchange comes amid a growing disagreement between Wike and Uzodimma over political issues ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressive Governors’ Forum, recently announced that APC governors would not support political alliances or arrangements capable of weakening the party or affecting its candidates in the 2027 elections.
The position was widely linked to the Rainbow Coalition associated with Wike, who has said the group is focused on mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu while allowing different political parties to field candidates in other elections.
Wike has subsequently criticised the position taken by the APC governors, while Uzodimma and other party figures have maintained that APC governors will support the party’s candidates.
Senate Rules Could Affect 2027 Ambitions
Uzodimma’s reported interest in the Senate presidency also comes against the backdrop of changes to the Senate’s Standing Orders.
In May 2026, the Senate amended its rules to introduce new requirements for senators seeking presiding positions.
Under the amended rules, a senator seeking to become Senate President or Deputy Senate President must have spent at least eight consecutive years in the chamber.
The rules further require the eight years to cover two consecutive terms immediately preceding the nomination.
The amended ranking provisions also give preference to senators who have previously served as Senate president, deputy Senate president or principal officers, as well as senators who have completed at least one term.
Former members of the House of Representatives and first-time senators may only come into consideration where there are no other eligible candidates, according to reports on the amended rules.
The changes could therefore affect newly elected senators after the 2027 elections who do not have the required previous service in the Senate.
For Uzodimma, who is currently serving as Imo governor, the reported plan to return to the Senate and seek its leadership would depend on his securing a Senate seat and meeting the applicable rules at the time.
Meanwhile, the public disagreement between Wike and Uzodimma continues to play out as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather pace.
