Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has reiterated his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid while defending the cross-party political arrangement known as the “Rainbow Coalition” amid criticism from governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Wike spoke to journalists in Abuja on Monday after inspecting road projects in the Federal Capital Territory.
The former Rivers State governor, who remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party while serving in the APC-led Federal Government, said his immediate political priority was supporting Tinubu’s bid for another term.
“My primary concern is whether Tinubu will be re-elected for a second term, and I have made it known from the outset that I am going to support Mr President with all my might and strength,” Wike said.
APC Governors Question Coalition
The controversy centres on the Rainbow Coalition, a cross-party political arrangement involving politicians who support Tinubu’s administration.
The Progressives Governors Forum, chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, has criticised the arrangement, arguing that it could undermine APC candidates in some elections.
According to Premium Times, the governors alleged that Wike was using the coalition to support politicians who lost APC primaries and are now contesting on the PDP platform.
Wike rejected the allegation as baseless and argued that the coalition brings together politicians from different parties who support the president.
He also disputed suggestions that his current political activities were intended to position him for the presidency in 2031.
The disagreement illustrates the complications created by cross-party alliances as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, particularly where national political cooperation does not necessarily align with state or constituency-level competition.
Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are on the final list for the 2027 presidential election, which INEC has scheduled for January 16.
