Wike's 'Rainbow Coalition' Scandal: Governors Fume, Political Sparks Fly

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has strongly refuted claims from the APC Governors’ Forum regarding his proposed “rainbow coalition,” branding their rejection as politically lazy and baseless. Wike, who also serves as the former governor of Rivers State and is a member of the PDP, made these statements in an exclusive interview with ARISE NEWS, responding to the Progressive Governors Forum’s unified stance against his political alliance efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Progressive Governors Forum, chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, recently announced its opposition after a closed-door meeting in Abuja on Monday, September 14. In a communique, the forum declared that APC governors would not support or participate in any external political alliance, vowing to back only official APC candidates at all levels. They argued that supporting candidates outside the APC could undermine the party, create divided loyalty, and confuse grassroots voters.

However, Wike vehemently denied ever approaching the APC Governors’ Forum for an alliance. He stressed that his political endeavors are solely geared towards ensuring President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, without intending to prevent other parties from fielding candidates for various elective positions. “There is no day I went to the Governors’ Forum to align with any rainbow coalition—there is no such day,” Wike asserted, adding, “I was already talking about an alliance with a party. I have never, one day, gone to the APC Forum for an alliance.” He clarified his appointment by the President to work with him and confirmed his commitment to that role.

The FCT Minister criticized the APC governors as “politically lazy” for their position, suggesting it reflects a poor understanding of Nigeria’s electoral dynamics. He cited examples like Governors Chukwuma Soludo and Ademola Adeleke, who support President Tinubu while their respective parties still field candidates for legislative elections, demonstrating that support for the President does not necessitate abandoning one's party at other levels. Wike further accused Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of undue focus on him, stating, “Anytime he sees a snake, it’s Wike.”

Wike dismissed the notion of divided loyalty, explaining that his commitment to President Tinubu is distinct from his party affiliation. He affirmed that he has consistently informed the President of all his political actions. “I said I was going to support the President, and I supported him. I said I was going to support him for a second term because I have seen that he is committed and dedicated to changing Nigeria. What has that got to do with my party?” he questioned. He suggested that the controversy stems from attempts by governors to control candidate selections for the 2027 elections, emphasizing that a governor's influence should primarily be measured by their ability to deliver votes for President Tinubu in their own state.

Challenging the idea that the governors’ opposition indicated a decline in his political relevance, Wike maintained that their attacks were unrelated to his relationship with President Tinubu, who, he assured, is fully aware of his activities and dedication to the administration. He highlighted his performance as FCT Minister, referencing project commissions and flyovers, implying that his visible achievements might provoke jealousy rather than concern for the President’s interests.

Reiterating his unwavering support for Tinubu, Wike emphasized that his actions are rooted in his belief in the President’s leadership and his commitment to the administration’s success. Addressing his future after Tinubu's potential second term, Wike stated that relevance should not be defined by continuous occupancy of a position of authority, but by one's relationship and standing with the people in their state.

Wike also affirmed that his political value to President Tinubu extends beyond Rivers State, noting his influential role in the FCT where the ruling party has won all six area councils, and his ability to mobilize support across party lines in other states, such as Bayelsa. He asserted that the APC governors’ concerns were more about protecting their own political interests than securing Tinubu’s victory in 2027.

He firmly stated that he never promised to join the APC or engage in any unity arrangement with the party, clarifying that his position from the outset has always been to support President Tinubu. Addressing his continued membership in the PDP while backing Tinubu, Wike explained that current political realities make it difficult for the opposition party to win the presidency, and his support for the President does not necessitate abandoning his party. He recalled a past instance where he supported a former governor for re-election, despite having a PDP candidate in that state, to illustrate that political alliances can transcend party lines.