The Arewa Youth for Peaceful Coexistence (AYPC) has reaffirmed its support for the leadership of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), chaired by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, while criticising recent comments by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group’s position followed the September 15 declaration by APC governors that they would not participate in or endorse any political alliance capable of weakening the All Progressives Congress (APC) or adversely affecting the party’s candidates in the 2027 elections.
Uzodimma, who announced the position after an APC governors’ meeting in Abuja, said the governors’ campaign commitment was to APC candidates at all levels.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Haruna Bature, the AYPC urged APC governors and other stakeholders to prioritise unity, inclusiveness and collective responsibility as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 polls.
The group expressed concern over criticism of the governors’ position, particularly comments attributed to supporters of the Rainbow Coalition associated with Wike.
It said the PGF was within its political remit to insist that APC governors support candidates produced through the party’s official structures.
According to the group, the governors’ declaration should not be interpreted as opposition to support for President Bola Tinubu, but rather as an assertion of the APC’s organisational structure and its candidates.
Wike, however, has maintained that the Rainbow Coalition is a cross-party platform established to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s re-election and has no formal affiliation with the APC.
He has also argued that members of the coalition can support Tinubu for president while backing candidates from other parties in state and legislative elections.
However, the AYPC which vehemently criticised Wike’s attacks on the APC governors, insisted that the FCT Minister should concentrate on his responsibilities in Abuja and allow the ruling party to manage its internal political affairs.
“Wike should be cautioned and told to know his boundaries as a member of an opposition party given the privilege to serve in the Tinubu-led APC government,” the group stated.
The organisation nevertheless acknowledged that support platforms outside the APC could contribute to the mobilisation of votes for President Tinubu, provided their activities did not undermine the party’s candidates or create competing structures.
The AYPC therefore called for restraint among political stakeholders and urged APC leaders, governors and support groups to avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary divisions within the President’s support base.
It said supporters of the administration should pursue cooperation and political stability while respecting the rights of Nigerians to make their choices at the 2027 elections.
The group maintained that the focus should remain on peaceful political engagement, internal party cohesion and democratic participation as Nigeria prepares for the next general elections.
