Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stated that the Rainbow Coalition Movement, led by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, does not exist in Ebonyi State. This development comes amid growing tensions and controversies surrounding the coalition, which was formed to support President Bola Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid. Umahi made these remarks during an inspection of the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway in Benue State on Friday.
The Rainbow Coalition Movement, a multi-party political arrangement, has been a subject of disagreement between Wike and some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including Nigerian governors under the party's platform. Wike's coalition aims to support President Tinubu's re-election in 2027 while backing PDP candidates for other elective positions. As a national leader of the PDP faction recognised by the court and the Independent National Electoral Commission, Wike's move has sparked friction within the APC.
Umahi, a member of the ruling APC and immediate past governor of Ebonyi State, expressed his support for Governor Francis Nwifuru, stating that opposition candidates and politicians are free to campaign in the state without causing trouble. However, he warned that anyone attempting to foment crisis or dish out hate speeches would be dealt with. Umahi also jokingly claimed that he "killed" the PDP when he left the party in 2020 and was unaware if it still existed in Ebonyi State.
The Works Minister boasted that there are no threats against the victory of Governor Nwifuru and President Tinubu in Ebonyi State in 2027. He claimed that with the governor and other leaders supporting him, their chances of winning 95 percent of the votes are high. Umahi's comments come as tensions rise between Wike and APC governors, with fears that the FCT minister might use the Rainbow Coalition Movement against them in the 2027 elections.
The friction between Wike and Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru had escalated in June this year, with Nwifuru threatening to "consume" Wike if he dared to challenge him in the south-eastern state ahead of the state's governorship election in 2027. The governor's outburst followed claims by Wike's unnamed allies that President Tinubu had handed over Ebonyi to the FCT minister and his PDP faction.
Umahi's denial of the Rainbow Coalition's presence in Ebonyi State and his show of support for Governor Nwifuru and President Tinubu are seen as a move to quell tensions and assert his loyalty to the APC. The development comes as the 2027 elections approach, with various political factions and alliances beginning to take shape. Wike's Rainbow Coalition Movement has been a subject of interest, with many watching to see how it will play out in the coming months.
The situation in Ebonyi State and the broader implications for the 2027 elections remain uncertain, with various stakeholders watching the developments closely. Umahi's comments have provided insight into the dynamics at play, but the outcome of the tensions between Wike, Umahi, and other APC leaders remains to be seen. One thing is clear: the 2027 elections are set to be a critical moment in Nigeria's political landscape.
Key points
- Umahi denies the existence of the Rainbow Coalition in Ebonyi State.
- Tensions rise between Wike and APC governors over the Rainbow Coalition Movement.
- Umahi expresses support for Governor Nwifuru and President Tinubu's re-election bid.
