Tensions within the ruling political space have escalated following a sharp disagreement between All Progressives Congress (APC) governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over his newly formed "Rainbow Coalition" ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

**APC Governors Reject Parallel Alliances**

 

Speaking on behalf of the Progressive Governors Forum, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma reaffirmed that APC governors will not endorse or participate in any political arrangement that risks weakening the ruling party or undermining its official candidates at any level.

 

According to Uzodimma, the campaign architecture of the governors will align strictly with the party's strategic goals and focus exclusively on delivering victories for all nominated APC candidates—from the presidency down to legislative seats.

 

> "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, weakening the APC or adversely affecting any candidate of the party at all levels." — **Hope Uzodimma, Chairman, Progressive Governors Forum**

 

**Wike Defends the Coalition**

 

Dismissing the governors' concerns, Wike maintained that the Rainbow Coalition was created strictly as a cross-party platform to mobilize support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid, rather than an official alliance with the APC.

 

The FCT Minister argued that backing Tinubu does not mean supporting APC candidates in state-level or legislative contests, insisting that presidential choices can operate independently of local party affiliations. Criticizing some APC governors, Wike accused them of lacking political strength in their home states and urged politicians to solve their local electoral challenges without hiding behind the President's re-election campaign.

 

**Underlying Politics: 2031 Calculations and National Assembly Leadership**

 

Sources within the party reveal that the confrontation extends beyond the 2027 elections. The feud is reportedly fueled by early positioning for the 2031 political cycle—including vice-presidential ambitions—as well as ongoing battles for influence over the 11th National Assembly and Wike's backing of opposition candidates against incumbent APC governors.

 

**Presidency Moves to Broker Peace**

 

With both sides pledging alignment with President Tinubu's second-term ambition, presidential aides indicate that the President is set to intervene directly to de-escalate the standoff. A reconciliation meeting is expected to take place shortly to find common ground, restore unity, and establish a clear framework for campaign operations heading into the election cycle.