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

A public dispute has erupted between Nigeria's ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) governors and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike over his "Rainbow Coalition" initiative, deepening political rifts ahead of the 2027 general elections. The APC Progressive Governors Forum, chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, issued a communiqué on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, distancing the party from Wike's coalition. The governors stated they would not participate in, support, or endorse any alliance that could undermine President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid or affect APC candidates at any level. Uzodinma expressed particular concern about the coalition's expansion into Edo State, claiming it was causing local division within the APC there. "APC in Edo State is divided locally and it looks like there's trouble weeks after Wike's Rainbow Coalition is expanding its base beyond Rivers State," he said during the governors' meeting in Abuja. Wike responded sharply, dismissing the governors' concerns and labeling them "politically lazy.