The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has clarified that his political support is for President Bola Tinubu and the emerging “rainbow coalition” ahead of the 2027 general elections, and not for the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a political party.
Wike made the clarification while speaking on the political developments ahead of the 2027 presidential election, stressing that his support for Tinubu should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the APC.
The former Rivers State governor has remained one of the prominent political figures backing Tinubu’s bid for another term, despite retaining his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
His position has continued to attract attention within the PDP, particularly as political alignments and defections intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike, who served as governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, was appointed FCT Minister by Tinubu in 2023.
Despite his appointment to the Federal Executive Council, Wike has not formally defected from the PDP.
The minister has repeatedly maintained that his political allegiance to the PDP remains separate from his decision to support Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.
Wike explains support for Tinubu
Wike said his support for Tinubu is based on his assessment of the President’s administration and political direction rather than party affiliation.
According to him, political support should not necessarily be viewed through the lens of party membership.
“My support is for President Bola Tinubu and rainbow coalition, not APC,” Wike said.
The statement reinforces Wike’s long-standing position that he can remain a PDP member while supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid.
His position is particularly significant because the PDP has yet to fully resolve its internal disagreements over its leadership structure and its strategy for the 2027 presidential election.
‘Rainbow coalition’ gains political attention
The reference to a “rainbow coalition” comes amid efforts by politicians from different parties and political backgrounds to form a broad alliance ahead of the 2027 elections.
The coalition is expected to bring together politicians and political groups whose interests align on certain national and electoral issues, even where they do not belong to the same political party.
Wike has previously been associated with the G5 governors, a group of five then-serving PDP governors who opposed the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, during the 2023 election.
The political differences that emerged from that period have continued to influence alignments within the PDP.
Wike and members of his political camp have maintained that the party must address issues surrounding internal democracy, fairness and power rotation.
Wike remains PDP member
One of the major issues surrounding Wike’s political position is his continued membership of the PDP while serving as a minister under an APC-led administration.
Wike has previously defended his decision to remain in the PDP, arguing that accepting a ministerial appointment from Tinubu did not require him to leave his political party.
His latest statement further separates his personal political support for Tinubu from formal membership of the APC.
The development could become increasingly important as the 2027 election approaches and politicians decide whether to remain with their existing parties, defect or support broader political coalitions.
Tinubu’s 2027 ambition
President Tinubu has not hidden his intention to seek re-election in 2027.
The President’s supporters have already commenced political mobilisation across the country, with various groups and political figures declaring support for his second-term bid.
Tinubu’s administration has highlighted its economic reforms, infrastructure projects, security measures and other policies as reasons Nigerians should support the government for another term.
Opposition figures, however, have continued to criticise the administration over economic hardship, insecurity and the cost of living.
The 2027 presidential contest is therefore expected to be shaped by competing political alliances, party structures and the performance of the Tinubu administration.
PDP faces internal battle
Wike’s position comes at a time when the PDP is facing significant internal challenges.
The party has been dealing with disagreements among its leaders over its national leadership, presidential ticket and broader strategy for the 2027 election.
Several senior politicians have also been involved in discussions around opposition cooperation and the possibility of forming a coalition capable of challenging the ruling APC.
Against this background, Wike’s declaration of support for Tinubu while distancing himself from the APC could add another layer to the ongoing political realignment.
His position means that his political camp could support Tinubu without necessarily becoming part of the APC’s formal party structure.
2027 political realignment
Political realignment has intensified across Nigeria as politicians and political parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
The APC is seeking to retain the presidency, while opposition parties and emerging coalitions are exploring strategies to challenge Tinubu.
The ADC has also emerged as a major platform for opposition figures seeking to build a coalition ahead of the election, with Atiku Abubakar among the prominent politicians associated with the platform.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi and other opposition figures have continued to pursue their own political strategies ahead of 2027.
The competing alliances are expected to become clearer as the election approaches and political parties begin their formal nomination and campaign processes.
For Wike, however, the latest declaration makes clear that his support for Tinubu should not automatically be interpreted as support for the APC.
His position also underscores the increasingly fluid nature of Nigerian politics, where politicians can maintain formal ties with one party while supporting candidates or political arrangements outside their party structure.
With the 2027 election approaching, Wike’s political stance is likely to remain a subject of discussion, particularly as the PDP continues to grapple with internal divisions and politicians across party lines explore new alliances.
