The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has publicly identified three APC governors who he claims are opposed to his Rainbow Coalition. On September 21, 2026, during an appearance on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout, Wike named Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun as the governors opposed to his coalition. Wike's Rainbow Coalition aims to mobilize support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election across political parties.
Wike emphasized that several APC governors have no issues with the Rainbow Coalition. He mentioned governors from Adamawa, Edo, Kogi, Lagos, and Akwa Ibom, as well as the governor of Ondo State, as those who do not oppose the coalition. Wike expressed surprise at seeing the Ondo Governor in opposition, highlighting the divisions within the APC regarding his coalition. He questioned the seriousness of governors who would leave their states to complain about the Rainbow Coalition in Abuja.
The disagreement between Wike and the APC Governors Forum escalates as Wike continues to reject the argument that his coalition is designed to weaken the APC. The APC Governors Forum, chaired by Uzodimma, has resolved not to participate in or support any alliance that could undermine President Tinubu’s re-election or weaken the APC. Wike maintains that the coalition's primary objective is to mobilize support for Tinubu’s return to office while allowing participation from politicians across different parties.
Wike clarified that his support for Tinubu does not mean he will stop supporting PDP candidates in other elections. He stated that his primary concern is Tinubu’s re-election and that he will mobilize support for it. Wike also accused Uzodimma and AbdulRazaq of being behind false claims about the Rainbow Coalition. He questioned why APC governors are focusing on his coalition instead of their party’s campaign activities.
The APC Governors Forum has reiterated its commitment to supporting APC candidates in the 2027 elections. Uzodimma stated that the governors’ campaign efforts will be exclusively for APC candidates at all levels. This stance contrasts with Wike’s approach, which involves mobilizing support across party lines for Tinubu’s re-election. The differing strategies highlight the internal divisions within the APC and the broader political landscape.
Wike, a PDP member serving in the APC-led federal government, has made it clear that his immediate priority is supporting Tinubu’s re-election. He has also made clear that he will support PDP candidates in other elections. This dual approach reflects Wike’s complex position within the current political landscape. His actions and statements continue to influence the dynamics within the APC and the PDP.
The ongoing disagreement between Wike and the APC Governors Forum reflects deeper political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections. Wike’s Rainbow Coalition and the APC’s response to it will likely continue to shape the political strategies of various stakeholders. The situation remains a critical point of observation as the political landscape continues to evolve.
Key points
- Wike names Imo, Kwara, and Ogun state governors as opposed to his Rainbow Coalition.
- The APC Governors Forum has resolved not to support any alliance that could undermine President Tinubu’s re-election.
- Wike's coalition aims to mobilize support for Tinubu’s re-election across political parties.
