A public disagreement between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and APC state governors has intensified over the structure and beneficiaries of the emerging 2027 pro-Tinubu coalition. The coalition, led by Wike, has sparked a power struggle within the APC, with some states responding to the development. In Bayelsa State, the APC chairman stated that the party has nothing to do with the Wike-led coalition.
The Rivers State party chairman, Warman Weri Ogoriba, criticised the "Rainbow Coalition" in the state, citing a lack of organisational capacity and grassroots support. Ogoriba stated that the APC has an established presence across the state's eight local government areas and political wards, and would not be distracted by external alliances. The party's existing structures and committed members would provide a strong foundation for the 2027 electoral campaign.
Critics of the coalition have emerged, including a former South-South Zonal Vice Chairman of LP, Mr Favour Reuben, and an Ogoni rights activist, Dr Celestine Akpobari. Reuben alleged that the LP governorship candidate recognised by the coalition is a PDP member, while Akpobari criticised the coalition as non-inclusive, favouring only Ikwerre ethnic nationals. Akpobari questioned the coalition's representation, saying "I have never seen a rainbow with one colour."
However, some have expressed support for Wike's coalition, including ex-President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide and 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Bayelsa, Engr. Udengs Eradiri. Eradiri described Wike's Rainbow Coalition as an unshakable political network that cuts across political interests, adding that it would be an advantage to Tinubu's re-election, not a threat to APC governors.
In Ebonyi State, Governor Francis Nwafiru warned the Wike-led coalition to steer clear of the state during the campaign for the upcoming general election. Nwafiru claimed he had the capacity to "destroy the coalition and its supporters." This pattern of challenge is expected to grow in the coming months as governors and Wike openly clash over the platform to support Tinubu's re-election.
President Tinubu has intervened in the matter, appointing Wike as head and coordinator of Rivers and FCT campaign for his re-election. However, APC governors have resolved to take charge of Tinubu's 2027 campaign structures across their respective states and align the party's campaign machinery with the President's re-election bid.
A Professor of Political Science, Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, has warned both parties to handle the matter carefully, advising Wike that his constituency is not Nigeria. The crisis is expected to continue, driven by personal differences, varied interests, and mutual suspicion between Wike and many APC governors.
Key points
- Wike's Rainbow Coalition has sparked a power struggle within Nigeria's APC party.
- The coalition has been criticised for being non-inclusive and favouring specific ethnic nationals.
- President Tinubu has intervened, appointing Wike to lead the Rivers and FCT campaign for his re-election.
