Wike Has Tinubu’s Support For Rainbow Coalition

President Bola Tinubu’s reported relationship with the Rainbow Coalition led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has generated fresh debate within the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to reports, an APC national leader who spoke on condition of anonymity described the Rainbow Coalition as an alternative platform for aggrieved members of the ruling party and claimed that it enjoys support from President Tinubu.

The development comes amid differences between Wike’s political coalition and some APC governors, who have expressed opposition to political arrangements they believe could undermine the party’s structure or its candidates in the 2027 elections.

The anonymous APC leader reportedly said some party members dissatisfied with the handling of the APC primaries could choose to align with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) through Wike’s coalition while still supporting Tinubu’s presidential bid.

“Wike has the support of the President on his Rainbow Coalition,” the source was quoted as saying, adding that the platform could provide an alternative for aggrieved APC members who might otherwise move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The source further alleged that several APC leaders were supporting Wike because of grievances arising from the party’s internal processes and primaries. The official also claimed that Wike’s activities and political mobilisation were viewed favourably by some members of the presidency.

Another APC official reportedly said the major concern remained securing support for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, while individual candidates and party stakeholders would have to manage their respective political contests.

The comments have added to an ongoing debate within the ruling party over the role of Wike’s coalition and whether cross-party mobilisation for Tinubu could operate alongside the APC’s own political structure.

Wike, however, has publicly rejected the suggestion that the Rainbow Coalition is an arrangement with the APC. He said the coalition is a multi-party platform established to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election and stressed that it does not prevent the PDP from fielding candidates for governorship, National Assembly and state assembly elections.

The FCT minister has also maintained that his support in 2027 is specifically for Tinubu’s presidential bid, while political contests at the state and legislative levels should be handled separately.

The competing positions have continued to fuel discussions among political stakeholders as parties and political groups position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.