FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has defended the proposed Rainbow Coalition, dismissing concerns from some All Progressives Congress governors that the alliance could weaken the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout on Monday, Wike said the coalition was focused on mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, while politicians would remain free to back candidates of their preferred parties in governorship and legislative contests.
Wike alleged that some APC governors were opposing the arrangement because of their political interests, including efforts to influence who would emerge as the next Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives. He specifically alleged that Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma was positioning himself for the Senate presidency after leaving office.
The minister cited the 2023 elections, when members of the G5 governors supported Tinubu for president while their parties fielded and backed candidates in other elections. He argued that a similar arrangement could apply in 2027 and rejected concerns that voters would be confused by supporting candidates from different parties at different levels.
The APC Governors Forum had earlier said it would exclusively support APC candidates and would not endorse political arrangements that could weaken the party, affect its candidates or undermine Tinubu’s re-election. Wike, however, maintained that the coalition was not intended to take over or weaken the APC.
He also dismissed reports that Tinubu had agreed to concede nine states to the PDP or the Rainbow Coalition, challenging those making the claim to identify the states involved. Wike said his main political objective was to secure Tinubu’s re-election and cited issues including the President’s support for state police and what he described as greater devolution of resources and powers to sub-national governments.
Wike further said Tinubu was aware of the coalition and understood his political position despite his continued membership of the PDP.
While the APC has maintained its position on supporting only its candidates, sources within the party said its National Working Committee was working to broker a truce, with discussions expected after APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda returns from vacation.
