Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has called on Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to make a clear choice between supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his Rainbow Coalition. Lawal stated that Wike cannot simultaneously support President Bola Tinubu's re-election and back candidates of other parties. This statement is the latest development in the disagreement between Wike and several APC governors over the implications of the Rainbow Coalition.
The Rainbow Coalition, which brings together politicians from different parties to support Tinubu's 2027 presidential bid, has been a subject of contention. Wike has maintained that supporting Tinubu does not require coalition members to abandon their respective parties or surrender their freedom to contest other positions against APC candidates. He has also rejected suggestions that the coalition is an APC project. However, APC governors have called for stronger coordination to support the president and the party's candidates at other levels.
Lawal's comments add another phase to the disagreement between Wike and APC governors. The governor emphasized that Wike's position should be clearly defined before the 2027 electoral contest gains momentum. He stated that Wike should either openly support the APC across the board or reconsider his continued association with the Rainbow Coalition. Lawal argued that it is inconsistent to support Tinubu for the presidency while allowing other parties to challenge APC candidates in governorship and legislative elections.
In an interview with Channels Television, Lawal demanded consistency from Wike, saying that the minister cannot be on two sides. He urged Wike to join the APC if he wants to support the party. When asked directly whether APC governors wanted Wike to join the ruling party, Lawal replied that it is essential to clarify Wike's allegiance. He disclosed that he intends to raise the matter with Tinubu when he returns.
The disagreement between Wike and APC governors has been ongoing, with Wike defending the Rainbow Coalition and questioning criticism from APC governors. He referenced the role played by the G5 governors in the 2023 presidential election that Tinubu won. Wike has emerged as a prominent political figure outside the APC, openly backing Tinubu's re-election while retaining his links with the PDP.
Lawal also responded to Wike's recent description of some APC governors as lazy, dismissing the remark and challenging anyone to assess his administration's record in Zamfara. He invited anyone to see the progress being made in Zamfara State, emphasizing the difference between his administration and others. This exchange highlights the tension between Wike and APC governors.
The development has significant implications for Nigerian politics, particularly as the 2027 elections approach. The disagreement between Wike and APC governors may affect the party's performance in future elections. Wike's continued support for Tinubu's re-election, despite being a member of the PDP, has raised questions about his loyalty to his party and his new alliances. The situation remains to be seen as it continues to unfold.
Key points
- - Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal urges FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to clarify his political allegiance ahead of 2027 elections. - Wike's Rainbow Coalition has been a subject of contention among APC governors. - Lawal demands consistency from Wike, urging him to join the APC or leave the Rainbow Coalition.
