By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC PCC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the growing disagreement between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and governors elected on the platform of the APC.

The dispute centres on Wike’s proposed “Rainbow Coalition”, a cross-party political platform he says is intended to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. APC governors, however, have raised concerns that the arrangement could weaken the party and affect its candidates in other elections.

Speaking on the issue, APC PCC spokesperson Ima Niboro described the disagreement as an internal dispute among political allies. He said both sides ultimately support Tinubu’s return in 2027, although they differ over how that support should be organised.

Niboro urged the politicians involved to move away from public exchanges and concentrate on building their political structures at the grassroots.

He also said Tinubu has the political experience needed to manage disagreements within a large political coalition, adding that such disputes can emerge as political parties expand.

The disagreement intensified after the Progressive Governors Forum, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, said APC governors would not support any political arrangement capable of weakening the party or affecting its candidates in the 2027 elections.

Wike, however, has maintained that his support for Tinubu is separate from the activities of the APC. He said the Rainbow Coalition is focused on the presidential election and does not prevent other political parties from presenting candidates for governorship and legislative positions.

In comments reported after an Arise TV interview, Wike criticised the APC governors for opposing his political initiative. He argued that supporting Tinubu should not mean abandoning the political parties to which different politicians belong.

He also said the disagreements surrounding his political activities predated his appointment as FCT minister and his decision to support Tinubu.

APC chieftain asks Wike to engage governors

APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe also weighed in on the dispute, urging Wike to meet with the APC governors and explain the purpose of the Rainbow Coalition.

Igbokwe described Wike as an important political stakeholder with political influence but said the disagreement should be addressed through consultation rather than public exchanges.

He argued that Wike should explain his intentions to the governors and seek a way to accommodate their concerns.

Okechukwu backs broader coalition

Former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Osita Okechukwu, took a different position, cautioning President Tinubu against calls to distance himself from Wike.

Okechukwu said the disagreement should have been handled internally rather than through public statements. He argued that Wike’s political network could provide additional support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.

He also urged the President to maintain a broad political coalition while managing disagreements among the different groups supporting his political agenda.

The dispute has therefore created competing positions within Tinubu’s wider political camp. While Wike says his coalition is specifically aimed at supporting the President, APC governors have emphasised the need to protect the party’s structure and candidates at other levels of the 2027 elections.