Political Ultimatum: Zamfara Governor Forces Wike's Hand on APC Loyalty

Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, has issued a direct challenge to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, stating that he must either formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC) or withdraw his involvement from the Rainbow Coalition if he intends to back President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. Governor Lawal asserted that Wike's current stance of supporting Tinubu at the presidential level while simultaneously endorsing candidates from other political parties in governorship and legislative elections is untenable and contradictory.

Speaking from New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly during an interview with Channels Television’s *Inside Sources, Lawal reiterated that the position of APC governors regarding Wike’s cross-party political arrangement remains firm, despite Wike's consistent justifications for it. According to Lawal, it is imperative for Wike to unequivocally declare his political allegiance ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections.

“Our message is very, very clear: Be on one side. You can’t be in two sides. If you’re in APC, please come out and support APC. Not you’re supporting APC here and you’re supporting other political parties somewhere else. It doesn’t make sense. It’s not done anywhere,” Lawal stated emphatically. He continued, “And that is why we maintain our stand, and it is very clear—the message is very clear. He can speak, he can say whatever he wants to say, but our position has been very, very clear: APC all the way from head to toe.” When directly asked if the governors were effectively demanding Wike join the APC, Lawal confirmed, “Exactly. What’s the essence?” He also indicated his intention to discuss this matter with President Tinubu upon his return, emphasizing the necessity for Wike's political position to be clearly defined. “It’s something that I will take up with the President when he comes back. So, let there be a very, very clear line where this guy belongs to. It’s either he’s in APC or he’s out. It’s simple. And I go with my brothers, the governors,” Lawal added.

This political friction originates from Wike’s involvement with the Rainbow Coalition, a cross-party platform which he describes as a mechanism to garner support for President Tinubu’s re-election efforts, while simultaneously allowing individual political parties to field their own candidates in various governorship and legislative contests. Wike has consistently maintained that his support for Tinubu does not imply an endorsement of APC candidates in other electoral races. Earlier this month, he released a statement affirming his commitment to Tinubu's presidency while ensuring the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) remains free to compete in governorship, National Assembly, and State House of Assembly elections. He further clarified that the Rainbow Coalition operates independently of the APC.

Wike has previously defended this arrangement, characterizing it as a strategy to unite individuals from diverse political backgrounds in support of Tinubu's re-election. He also challenged the opposition expressed by some APC governors, drawing parallels to the significant role played by the G5 governors during the 2023 presidential election. However, the APC governors remain steadfast in their objection to any political structure that could channel support to Tinubu at the presidential level while simultaneously diverting backing to candidates outside of the APC in other elections.

Addressing Wike’s earlier comment describing some APC governors as