A group of lawyers under the aegis of Imo Lawyers for the Defence of Democracy has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to desist from further public comments and exchanges concerning Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
The group made the call on Friday, September 18, 2026 during a press conference, expressing concern over what it described as increasingly personal exchanges between the FCT Minister and the Imo State Governor.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Barrister Ifeoma Chukwunyere said the disagreement was linked to political differences surrounding what the lawyers described as Wike’s proposed “Rainbow Coalition” arrangement.
The group claimed that the APC Governors’ Forum rejected the arrangement because of concerns that it could weaken party cohesion or create divided political loyalty.
The lawyers argued that any disagreement between Wike and the governors’ forum should be addressed through political dialogue rather than through public exchanges involving Governor Uzodimma.
The group acknowledged the constitutional rights of Nigerians, including political leaders and public officials, to express political opinions, criticise policies and participate in political activities.
However, the lawyers maintained that political disagreements should focus on policies, programmes, political positions and verifiable facts rather than personal exchanges.
They described Uzodimma as the constitutionally elected Governor of Imo State and urged that disagreements involving him should be handled through democratic engagement, political institutions and the rule of law.
The group also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to encourage restraint among the political actors involved, saying the ongoing exchanges should not be allowed to heighten political tension in Imo State.
The lawyers further warned against what they described as attempts to create political tension through inflammatory statements, stressing that the people of Imo State should be allowed to determine their political future through democratic processes.
The group declared its support for Governor Uzodimma and said it would defend what it described as the mandate given to him by the people of Imo State, while also urging the Governor to continue operating within the Constitution and Nigerian laws.
In a direct appeal to the FCT Minister, the lawyers said political disagreements over strategies, elections, alliances and political actors should be resolved through democratic debate rather than confrontation.
They also stated that they would not support political intimidation, violence or threats against any political actor.
“Our position is simple: Democracy must prevail. The Constitution must prevail. The rule of law must prevail,” the group stated.
The lawyers called on political parties, leaders, supporters and media organisations to avoid statements capable of escalating tensions or provoking confrontation.
They maintained that political disagreements are part of democratic practice but urged political actors to exercise restraint and ensure that their differences do not undermine democratic institutions or public peace.
The Imo Lawyers for the Defence of Democracy said it would continue to monitor developments relating to constitutional governance, democratic participation, political freedom and peace in the state.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
