Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has expressed support for the Rainbow Coalition, a political alliance associated with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Aiyedatiwa stated that politicians from different parties can form alliances based on shared interests. He made these remarks during an appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today. Aiyedatiwa's comments come amid a growing debate within the All Progressives Congress (APC) about the coalition's role in the 2027 general elections.
Aiyedatiwa emphasized that his relationship with Wike should not be seen as a departure from the APC. He clarified that his political structure in Ondo State remains firmly under the ruling party. The governor stressed that maintaining a relationship with Wike does not prevent him from being committed to the APC. Aiyedatiwa noted that politicians often work together when their interests align, and such relationships can exist across party lines.
The Rainbow Coalition, led by Wike, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party and former Rivers State governor, aims to mobilize support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election. Wike has explained that the coalition is focused on the presidential election and should not be regarded as an alternative structure of the APC. Aiyedatiwa similarly argued that there is no reason to condemn a political arrangement simply because it brings together people from different parties.
Aiyedatiwa compared the Rainbow Coalition to various support groups that have emerged to campaign for Tinubu's second-term bid. He stated that there is freedom of association in being a member of one group or coalition. The governor sees the Rainbow Coalition as a form of support group for the president. Aiyedatiwa questioned what could be wrong with such an arrangement.
The Progressive Governors Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, has rejected political arrangements that could weaken the APC or affect its candidates' fortunes in the elections. Some APC governors have expressed disagreement with Wike's coalition, citing concerns that it may undermine the party or President Tinubu's re-election campaign. The disagreement centers on whether politicians can support Tinubu for president while backing candidates from other parties in other elections.
Wike has maintained that supporting Tinubu at the presidential level does not mean that members of the coalition must support APC candidates in every other election. He established the coalition to mobilize support for Tinubu across political parties, emphasizing that it is not an APC structure. Wike argued that politicians have the freedom to choose their alliances in a democratic system.
Aiyedatiwa's support for the Rainbow Coalition highlights the complexities of political alliances in Nigeria. The Ondo governor's stance suggests that politicians can navigate multiple relationships without compromising their party affiliations. As the debate surrounding the coalition continues, Aiyedatiwa's comments add to the discussion on the role of alliances in the 2027 general elections.
Key points
- Aiyedatiwa supports Wike's Rainbow Coalition, citing freedom of association and shared political interests.
- The coalition aims to mobilize support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election across political parties.
- Aiyedatiwa's stance highlights the complexities of political alliances in Nigeria.
