The Deputy National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) South, Dr. Ben Nwoye, has expressed concerns over the proposed cross-party "Rainbow Coalition" by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ahead of the 2027 general elections. Nwoye stated that such an arrangement could create complications for the APC if its members and supporters are expected to back candidates from other parties in the National Assembly and state elections while supporting President Bola Tinubu for re-election.
Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has defended the Rainbow Coalition, arguing that it is not an alliance with the APC. He cited the 2023 elections in states like Imo, Abia, Enugu, and Ebonyi, where voters supported different parties in presidential and legislative contests. However, Nwoye believes that this arrangement could be difficult for the APC to manage, as the party expects its members and supporters to back its candidates across the ballot.
Nwoye also criticized Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo's comments on cooperation among progressive forces ahead of 2027. He emphasized that practical arrangements, not just statements of support, are needed to demonstrate cooperation. Nwoye pointed out that if progressives are supporting Tinubu in Anambra State, then APC members should be appointed to Soludo's government, just as President Tinubu appointed members of other parties to his government.
The APC leader argued that supporting Tinubu without supporting APC candidates in other elections could create a divided political structure. He warned that this could become problematic if a president elected under the APC has to work with legislators elected on opposing platforms. Nwoye emphasized that the party's position in Anambra is to campaign for its candidates from the presidential election down to legislative contests.
Nwoye's position aligns with recent statements by APC leaders in the Southeast, who have called for support for the party's candidates across the ballot. He urged party members to adopt a "top-to-bottom" voting approach, where voters support APC candidates for all positions. This, he believes, will ensure a strong legislative presence for the Tinubu administration and prevent political disagreements from affecting its agenda.
The APC deputy chairman also addressed the political situation in the Southeast, urging voters to consider national political engagement rather than ethnic or religious considerations. He specifically mentioned Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and argued that the Southeast cannot produce a president with votes from the region alone. Nwoye called for greater political engagement between the Southeast and other parts of the country.
Nwoye cited former nationalist leaders, including Nnamdi Azikiwe and Michael Okpara, as examples of politicians who built relationships beyond their immediate ethnic or regional interests. He emphasized the need for the Southeast to engage in national politics and build alliances that can benefit the region. By doing so, Nwoye believes that the Southeast can negotiate for greater appointments and development.
Key points
- APC Deputy Chairman Dr. Ben Nwoye rejects Wike's Rainbow Coalition plan.
- Nwoye cites potential complications for the APC if its members support candidates from other parties.
- The APC leader urges party members to adopt a "top-to-bottom" voting approach.
