ABUJA: Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has responded to the growing disagreement between him and some governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over political activities and candidate selection ahead of the 2027 elections.

Wike said his major disagreement with the APC governors stemmed from their alleged attempt to influence the choice of candidates in upcoming elections.

Speaking on the political disagreement, Wike said he had been accused of presenting candidates in order to build a larger bloc of legislators under his influence.

He rejected the allegation, questioning how such an arrangement would give him control over a greater number of lawmakers. The crime I have committed against APC governors is that they wanted to give us candidates of their own choice, and I disagreed.”

Wike added: I have heard them say I am presenting candidates so I will have a greater number of legislators. How does that work?”

The FCT minister also criticised Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, accusing him of repeatedly blaming him for political developments in the state.

Wike said AbdulRazaq appeared to attribute various political problems to him, using a metaphorical reference to a snake and reptile. The governor of Kwara is so unfortunate. Anytime he sees a snake, it’s Wike. Anytime he sees a reptile, it’s Wike. Any day he doesn’t eat, Wike is the problem.

Wike’s latest comments came after the APC Governors Forum opposed political arrangements that could weaken the party or affect its candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

The disagreement has also centred on Wike’s political activities and his involvement in the presentation of candidates for legislative positions.

The minister has maintained that his support for President Bola Tinubu does not prevent other political parties from fielding candidates for legislative elections.

He previously cited Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Abia State Governor Alex Otti as examples of politicians who support Tinubu while remaining associated with their respective political parties.

Wike also dismissed the suggestion that his involvement in candidate selection was intended to build a larger group of legislators loyal to him.

The dispute between the FCT minister and several APC governors comes amid wider political alignments and coalition discussions ahead of the 2027 elections.