The Forum has rejected Wike’s political arrangements because it considers it capable of weakening the party or creating divided loyalty
By Moses Okorie
Imo Lawyers for the Defence of Democracy have called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, to desist from further public attacks and personal comments against the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
The group made the call at a press conference on Friday, September 18, 2026, where it expressed concern over what it described as increasingly personal exchanges between Wike and Uzodimma.
The lawyers said recent public comments attributed to the FCT Minister concerning Uzodimma’s political activities within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his position on the proposed “Rainbow Coalition” had raised concerns among citizens of the state.
According to the group, the APC Governors’ Forum had rejected the political arrangement promoted by Wike, adding that the disagreement should be addressed through the appropriate political channels rather than through personal attacks on the Imo governor.
“The Forum has rejected Wike’s political arrangements because it considers it capable of weakening the party or creating divided loyalty,” the lawyers said.
They stressed that while political actors have the constitutional right to express opinions, criticise policies and participate in political activities, such rights should not be used to promote personal attacks, intimidation or unnecessary escalation.
The group described Uzodimma as the constitutionally elected Governor of Imo State and urged all parties to resolve political disagreements through democratic engagement, political dialogue and the rule of law.
The lawyers also warned political actors against turning Imo State into a centre of political confrontation, saying the people of the state had the constitutional right to determine their political future without undue interference or external pressure.
They specifically called on Wike to stop further public comments concerning Uzodimma, urging political disagreements to focus on policies, programmes, political positions and verifiable facts rather than personal exchanges.
The group further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as President and appointing authority of the FCT Minister, to encourage restraint among political actors.
The lawyers also urged Governor Uzodimma to continue to operate within the Constitution and laws of Nigeria while allowing relevant political and legal institutions to handle legitimate disagreements.
In a direct message to Wike, the group said: “Imo State belongs to its people,” and urged him to refrain from what it described as personal attacks on the governor.
The lawyers said disagreements over political strategies, elections, alliances and political actors should be subjected to democratic debate and constitutional processes.
They also stated that they would not support political intimidation, violence or threats against any political actor, calling instead for peaceful engagement.
“Our position is simple: Democracy must prevail. The Constitution must prevail. The rule of law must prevail,” the group said.
The lawyers appealed to Uzodimma to ignore Wike’s public statements and remain focused on governance, while urging political parties, leaders, supporters and media platforms to avoid language capable of inflaming tensions.
They pledged to continue monitoring developments affecting constitutional governance, democratic participation, political freedom and peace in Imo State.