Nyesom Wike’s Rainbow Coalition sparks rift with APC governors

A political rift has emerged between Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding a proposed political arrangement known as the ‘Rainbow Coalition.’ Wike, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), maintains that the coalition is designed to mobilize cross-party support specifically for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 without requiring other parties to abandon their own candidates in legislative or governorship contests.

The Progressive Governors Forum, chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, has rejected the arrangement, arguing it could weaken the APC and create divided loyalties. The disagreement has escalated into personal friction, prompting legal groups in Imo State to call for President Tinubu’s intervention to prevent further personal attacks against Governor Uzodinma.

Political analysts have noted that the dispute represents a competition for influence and media space, potentially affecting the governors' direct access to the President. While Wike insists his support is for Tinubu alone and not the APC party structure, the governors remain committed to maintaining the integrity of their party’s candidates at all levels.