APC Governors Reject Wike's Rainbow Coalition Ahead of 2027 Polls

Governors elected on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform have unanimously rejected the Rainbow Coalition championed by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, declared late Monday night after a closed-door meeting in Abuja that members will not participate in or endorse any arrangement capable of weakening the APC or President Bola Tinubu's 2027 re-election prospects.

The governors warned that fielding candidates under different party banners could confuse rural voters and create divided loyalties. Tensions are already reported in Rivers, Kwara, Gombe, and Cross River states. Uzodimma stated the forum's campaign commitment is exclusive to official APC candidates at all levels.

“The APC Governors Forum unanimously resolved that its members will not participate in, support or endorse any alliance or political arrangement capable of undermining the re-election of Mr President.”

Wike dismissed the governors' concerns in a Tuesday interview on Arise TV, describing some APC governors as "politically lazy" and insisting the coalition is 100 percent focused on Tinubu's re-election. He argued that supporting Tinubu does not require abandoning his own party or preventing other parties from fielding candidates in sub-national races.

The APC South-East leadership, including National Vice Chairman Ijeomah Arodiogbu and five state chairmen, backed the governors' position, condemning Wike's attacks as "unfortunate and unacceptable." Founding APC member Farouk Aliyu also criticised Wike, stating he has been adequately compensated for his 2023 support of Tinubu.

The APC Presidential Campaign Council has urged President Tinubu to intervene to prevent the dispute from harming the party. Reports indicate Tinubu may meet PGF members as early as next week to resolve the growing crisis within the ruling party's camp.