Rainbow Coalition: Zamfara Governor Tells Wike to Choose Between APC and Opposition Parties
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has challenged Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to clarify his political position over his involvement in the Rainbow Coalition.
Lawal said Wike could not simultaneously support the All Progressives Congress and candidates from other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Zamfara governor made the comments during an interview with Channels Television’s Inside Sources on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
His remarks come amid a growing disagreement between Wike and APC governors over the political direction of the Rainbow Coalition.
Lawal Tells Wike to Choose
Lawal said the position of the APC governors was clear.
According to him, Wike should decide where his political allegiance lies instead of supporting APC at one level while backing candidates from other parties at another.
“Our message is very, very clear: be on one side. You can’t be on two sides,” Lawal said.
He added that if Wike wanted to support the APC, he should openly support the party rather than work with other political parties through the coalition.
Lawal said the APC governors would maintain their position regardless of Wike’s response.
“We maintain our stand, and the message is very clear—APC all the way from head to toe,” he said.
Governor Says Wike Should Join APC
When asked whether the APC governors were effectively asking Wike to join the ruling party, Lawal responded in the affirmative.
“Exactly,” the governor said.
Lawal also disclosed that he planned to discuss Wike’s political position with President Bola Tinubu when the President returns from his working vacation in France.
He said there should be a clear understanding of where Wike stands politically.
“It’s either he’s in APC or he’s out. It’s simple,” Lawal said.
What Is the Rainbow Coalition?
The Rainbow Coalition is a cross-party political platform associated with efforts to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The arrangement has generated debate because Wike has argued that politicians from different parties can support Tinubu for president while their respective parties continue to field candidates for governorship and legislative elections.
That position differs from the stance expressed by APC governors.
Wike Defends His Position
Wike has repeatedly said his support for Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign is not in doubt.
He has also rejected suggestions that the Rainbow Coalition was created to weaken or destabilise political parties.
At the same time, he has said the PDP should remain free to contest governorship and legislative elections in 2027.
This position has become a central part of the disagreement between Wike and APC governors.
Political Debate Intensifies Ahead of 2027
The disagreement comes as Nigerian politicians begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
The APC governors have expressed concern about a cross-party arrangement that could involve APC supporters campaigning alongside members of other parties.
Lawal said the governors would continue to maintain their position on the matter.
Wike, however, has continued to defend his political strategy and his support for Tinubu.
For now, Lawal’s latest comments have added another public dimension to the debate over Wike’s role in the Rainbow Coalition and the political alliances taking shape ahead of the 2027 elections.
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