Wike renews clash with APC governors over Rainbow Coalition

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has renewed his disagreement with some All Progressives Congress governors over the proposed Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Wike said the coalition is designed primarily to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election while allowing politicians to support candidates from their own parties in governorship and legislative elections.

His position differs from that of APC governors, who have said they will campaign exclusively for APC candidates at all levels.

Wike argued that a similar arrangement operated during the 2023 elections, when members of the PDP’s G5 governors supported Tinubu’s presidential bid without abandoning their parties’ candidates in other contests.

The FCT minister also alleged that opposition to his coalition from some APC governors is driven by their own political interests surrounding the composition and leadership of the next National Assembly.

Wike specifically accused Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma of harbouring an ambition to become Senate President after leaving office.

He said he would not support Uzodimma for the position.

Uzodimma has publicly framed the APC governors’ opposition to the Rainbow Coalition differently, saying governors are committed to protecting the APC, supporting President Tinubu and campaigning for the party’s candidates at every level.

Wike also rejected reports that Tinubu had agreed to concede nine states to the PDP or supporters of the Rainbow Coalition.

He maintained that Tinubu is aware of the coalition concept and that the initiative is not intended to take over or weaken the APC.

The disagreement adds another layer to tensions between Wike and sections of the ruling party as political groups position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.