Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has expressed support for the position of governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding the Rainbow Coalition associated with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. In an interview with Channels Television's Inside Sources on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Lawal emphasized the need for Wike to clearly define his political allegiance. He argued that Wike cannot simultaneously support the APC and other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Lawal's comments align with the position of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), the umbrella body of APC governors, which has rejected the Rainbow Coalition, a cross-party political platform associated with Wike and other political actors seeking support for President Bola Tinubu's 2027 re-election. The Zamfara governor maintained that APC governors would remain steadfast in their position despite Wike's comments on the coalition. He reiterated that the message is clear: APC all the way from head to toe.
When asked if the governors were effectively asking Wike to join the APC, Lawal replied, "exactly." He also mentioned that he would discuss Wike's political position with President Tinubu when the President returns from his working visit to France. Lawal emphasized the need for a clear line on Wike's political allegiance, stating that it's either he is in APC or he is out.
Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has repeatedly declared his support for Tinubu's re-election in 2027 while maintaining that the PDP should continue to field candidates in governorship and legislative elections. The FCT minister has also defended the Rainbow Coalition, rejecting claims that the platform was established to destabilize existing political parties.
Wike's stance has sparked controversy, with many questioning his ability to support the APC presidential candidate while remaining a member of the PDP. Lawal's comments have added to the debate, with the Zamfara governor emphasizing the need for clarity on Wike's political allegiance. The development has highlighted the complexities of Nigerian politics, particularly as the 2027 general elections approach.
The Rainbow Coalition has been a subject of interest in recent times, with many politicians and stakeholders weighing in on its implications for the country's political landscape. While Wike has defended the coalition, others have expressed concerns about its potential impact on the APC and other political parties. The controversy surrounding the coalition is likely to continue in the coming weeks.
The issue has also raised questions about the future of Nigerian politics, particularly in terms of alliances and party affiliations. As the 2027 general elections draw near, politicians and parties are likely to take different stances on various issues, leading to further debates and controversies. The situation will continue to be monitored closely by stakeholders and observers.
Key points
- Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal supports APC governors' position against Nyesom Wike's Rainbow Coalition.
- Lawal urges Wike to clearly define his political allegiance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The controversy surrounding the Rainbow Coalition highlights the complexities of Nigerian politics.
