A new political realignment is taking shape within Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as some governors explore options outside the party due to growing concerns about the influence of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike. According to sources, these governors are uncomfortable with Wike's expanding Rainbow Coalition, which aims to mobilize support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election. The coalition has sparked a public disagreement between Wike and several APC governors.
The Progressive Governors Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, has stated that APC governors will not support arrangements that could weaken the party or its candidates in the 2027 elections. However, some governors believe Wike's strategy could alter the political landscape in their states, particularly by providing a platform for politicians dissatisfied with the APC to work together against established party structures. This development has raised concerns about the potential consequences for the party.
The timing of the 2027 elections, with presidential and National Assembly polls scheduled for January 16 and governorship and state assembly elections on February 6, has added to the governors' concerns. They are worried about the long-term implications of alliances forged around the presidential contest and how they might affect the balance of power in their states. The governors are reportedly exploring alternative political relationships, including possible contacts with Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Atiku and the ADC are being considered as potential counterweights to Wike's growing network. The alleged strategy involves establishing political contacts with opposition blocs, rather than an immediate defection from the APC. Some governors believe they should be able to explore alternative relationships if Wike, while remaining a prominent PDP figure, can openly mobilize politicians across party lines in support of Tinubu.
Wike has maintained that his Rainbow Coalition is primarily aimed at securing support for Tinubu's re-election and does not require politicians to abandon their respective parties or withdraw candidates from governorship and legislative contests. However, this stance has clashed with that of APC governors, who insist that their support for Tinubu must also extend to APC candidates contesting other positions. The disagreement has led to confrontations between Wike and several APC governors.
The unfolding dispute is creating new political calculations within the APC, particularly as aggrieved party members and politicians from different platforms explore the emerging coalition landscape. Several dissatisfied APC figures have been moving towards Wike's Rainbow Coalition, while some governors are exploring contacts with Atiku. This development could add another layer to the growing political contest surrounding the 2027 elections.
As the situation continues to unfold, there is no official confirmation from the APC leadership or the Progressive Governors Forum on the alleged contacts with Atiku. The Atiku camp has also not officially confirmed or denied the development. The 2027 elections are shaping up to be a complex and highly contested event, with multiple parties and formations positioning themselves for influence at both the presidential and state levels.
Key points
- Some APC governors are exploring contacts with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a potential counterweight to Nyesom Wike's growing influence.
- The Progressive Governors Forum has stated that APC governors will not support arrangements that could weaken the party or its candidates in the 2027 elections.
- Wike's Rainbow Coalition aims to mobilize support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election, but its implications for the party and its candidates are still unclear.
