The political battle between governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike's loyalists has escalated in Kwara, Ogun, Benue, Kebbi, Ebonyi, and other states. Wike's loyalists are deepening their plots to frustrate the re-election bids of some governors and efforts to install successors. The Rainbow Coalition, promoted by Wike, aims to mobilize support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027 while backing non-APC candidates for various elections.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has declared that there is no Rainbow Coalition in Ebonyi State. This contradicts Wike's efforts to use the coalition to field PDP candidates for governorship and other elective positions. APC governors are battle-ready to fight Wike's loyalists for political supremacy in their states. The dispute has led to increased tensions between the APC and PDP.
In Ogun State, the Rainbow Coalition-backed PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, is gaining strength with significant financial resources to challenge APC candidate Senator Solomon Adeola. Adeola, backed by Governor Dapo Abiodun, faces a dispute over his state of origin, which may threaten his chances. The competition between Adebutu and Adeola has intensified.
In Kebbi State, former governor and senator Adamu Aliero is working with the Rainbow Coalition to unseat Governor Nasir Idris, who is seeking a second term. Governor Idris is a protégé of former governor and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu. The battle for Kebbi State's governorship has become a key aspect of the larger conflict.
In Imo State, a tripartite battle is emerging between Governor Hope Uzodimma, former Governor Rochas Okorocha, and PDP candidate Senator Sam Anyanwu, a member of Wike's Rainbow Coalition. Uzodimma seeks to install a successor on the APC platform and is the party's senatorial candidate for 2027. Okorocha has sued INEC over Uzodimma's candidacy.
The APC, rising from a three-day retreat in Maiduguri, dismissed the threat posed by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 general election. The party believes these opposition parties will merely participate in the polls rather than mount a serious contest. The APC is confident in its chances.
In Kwara State, PDP governorship candidate Bolakale Kawu is challenging Governor AbdulRazaq AbdulRahman's anointed candidate, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu. The senator representing Kwara Central is also involved in the competition. The battle for Kwara State's governorship adds to the growing tensions between the APC and Rainbow Coalition.
Key points
- The Rainbow Coalition, promoted by Nyesom Wike, aims to mobilize support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election in 2027.
- APC governors are resisting Wike's efforts to use the Rainbow Coalition to field PDP candidates in various states.
- The conflict has led to increased tensions and competition between the APC and PDP in several Nigerian states.
