FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has rejected concerns raised by the APC Governors Forum over the emerging Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, arguing that the governors’ position has no basis.
The development comes amid growing political activity ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The APC Governors Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, had expressed concern that the Rainbow Coalition could affect President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid and the electoral prospects of APC candidates.
Wike, however, challenged the argument that politicians supporting President Tinubu must necessarily support APC candidates in other elections. Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Politics Today, he pointed to politicians who, according to him, support Tinubu for the presidency while remaining aligned with other political parties at the state or National Assembly level.
The FCT minister cited Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Abia State Governor Alex Otti as examples. Wike argued that supporting Tinubu for president does not automatically prevent political actors from supporting candidates of other parties in National Assembly elections.
“Now what is the crisis of sponsoring candidates?” Wike said, questioning the concerns raised by the APC governors. He argued that the political arrangements being discussed do not necessarily amount to a threat to Tinubu’s presidential support.
The Rainbow Coalition has emerged as part of the broader political realignment taking place ahead of the 2027 elections. Its activities in Rivers State have attracted attention because of the competing interests of political parties and influential figures as preparations for the next electoral cycle intensify.
The disagreement between Wike and the APC Governors Forum highlights the complexity of Nigeria’s political landscape, where alliances at the presidential, governorship and legislative levels can involve different parties and political interests.
While the APC governors have raised concerns about the potential effect of the coalition on the party’s electoral interests, Wike maintains that such concerns are unfounded. His comments add another layer to the continuing political debate over alliances, candidate sponsorship and the shape of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
