Wike Snubs Handshake with Imo Governor Uzodimma at APC Campaign Council Inauguration in Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday refused to shake hands with Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja.

The event, held at the State House Banquet Hall in the Presidential Villa, brought together key political figures tasked with mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Wike, who was named coordinator for Rivers State and the FCT, and Uzodimma, who serves as secretary of the campaign council, were both present.

Videos circulating from the occasion show Uzodimma and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq standing up as Wike approached. However, the FCT minister walked past without acknowledging their outstretched hands, sparking widespread discussion online and among observers.

Earlier in his remarks at the inauguration, Wike issued a stern warning to campaign coordinators and officials. “If you don’t deliver your state and the President wins, don’t say we have won. It is not a question of I am chairman of this, I am secretary of this, I am a member of this,” he said.

He pledged that Rivers State and the FCT would deliver massive votes for Tinubu, adding that he had previously told the Chief of Staff to the President that failure to win Lagos should not be excused by a national victory.

The visible snub comes against the backdrop of a protracted political rift between Wike and Uzodimma. The tension centres largely on Wike’s Rainbow Coalition, a cross-party platform aimed at supporting Tinubu’s re-election. APC governors, under Uzodimma’s leadership as chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, have opposed arrangements they believe could weaken the party or its candidates.

Wike has previously criticised Uzodimma publicly, including ruling out support for any Senate presidency ambition by the Imo governor and highlighting what he described as the APC’s relatively poor presidential performance in Imo in 2023. He has also reminded the governor of his past support during Uzodimma’s re-election bid.

Despite the personal friction, both men hold prominent roles in the Tinubu re-election machinery. Political analysts note that the handshake refusal underscores the depth of their disagreement even as they share a common goal of returning the President to office.