Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has stated that opposition by some All Progressives Congress governors to the Rainbow Coalition is driven by their desire to control the emergence of the next National Assembly leadership. Wike made this allegation on a TV programme in Abuja, amid a growing disagreement between him and some APC governors over the proposed political arrangement.
Wike specifically mentioned Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as those opposed to the coalition. This development follows the position of APC governors that they would support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC candidates in the 2027 elections. Wike, however, maintained that his support for Tinubu's re-election is distinct from contests for governorship and legislative seats.
Wike cited the experience of the G5 governors in the 2023 presidential election, when members of the group supported Tinubu while their parties' candidates contested legislative and state elections. He recalled that in Rivers State, the Peoples Democratic Party won the state's National Assembly and state elections despite his support for Tinubu. Wike argued that voters could make different choices in presidential, National Assembly, and state elections.
Wike alleged that some APC governors are opposed to the Rainbow Coalition because they want greater control over the political composition of the next National Assembly and the emergence of its principal officers. He claimed that the governors want to influence the selection of senators and members of the House of Representatives who would subsequently support their preferred candidates for Senate President and Speaker.
Wike also accused Uzodimma of seeking to position himself for the Senate presidency after completing his tenure as governor. He said politicians who were denied APC tickets could seek alternative platforms, including the PDP, and could subsequently emerge as members of the National Assembly outside the influence of the governors. This is part of the concern among those opposed to the coalition.
Wike insisted that the Rainbow Coalition is not an APC structure and is not intended to undermine the ruling party. He argued that politicians should be free to support Tinubu's presidential ambition while retaining their individual party platforms for governorship and legislative contests. Wike dismissed allegations that Tinubu had agreed to concede nine states to him or members of the coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike maintained that his political engagement with Tinubu is focused on securing the President's re-election and mobilising support for his administration across political divides. He said he intends to campaign for Tinubu based on the administration's policies and record in office, citing the Federal Government's position on state police as one of the issues he would highlight.
Key points
- Wike alleges APC governors want control of National Assembly leadership.
- Wike's support for Tinubu is distinct from contests for governorship and legislative seats.
- Wike dismisses allegations of Tinubu conceding nine states to the Rainbow Coalition.
