“I Only Care About Tinubu’s Re-election”, Wike fires back at APC governors over rainbow coalition

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that his major political priority remains securing the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Wike stated this on Monday in Abuja while speaking to newsmen after inspecting some ongoing road projects across the FCT. The minister also dismissed allegations that the cross-party Rainbow Coalition, which he is associated with, was established to destabilise existing political parties.

He described the allegations as “baseless”, insisting that the coalition was designed to bring together individuals from different political platforms who support Tinubu’s administration.

Wike said his immediate political concern was the 2027 presidential election and the continuation of Tinubu’s administration beyond 2027.

“My primary concern is whether Tinubu will be re-elected for a second term, and I have made it known from the onsets that I am going to support Mr. President with all my might and strength,” he said.

He said he was not concerned about accusations being made against the rainbow coalition, but expressed disappointment over claims that the initiative would destabilise political parties.

“I am not bothered about what accusations people make, but it is very disappointing to hear some people say the rainbow coalition will destabilise the party,” Wike said.

According to him, the coalition does not seek to prevent anyone from supporting other political interests, but is encouraging its members and like-minded Nigerians to support Tinubu.

“We have not gone to anyone to say they should not support anyone; rather, we asked all our party members and like-minded people who are not APC members to ensure they support Mr. President,” he said.

Wike recalled the role played by the G5 governors during the 2023 general elections, questioning why similar concerns were not raised at the time about possible disruption of the political structure.

“Looking back at 2023 when it was the G5, why did nobody complain that it would destabilise the party? Did the President not win? Did it affect the APC-controlled National Assembly?” he asked.

He acknowledged that the G5 may have provided some political advantage but said that was not sufficient reason for the current concerns surrounding the rainbow coalition.

“You can argue that it gave them an advantage, but that is not the real cause of the outcry today. There are undertones to this. People are taking the position of God. First of all, you have to pray to be alive—asking God to keep you alive until tomorrow or the next day. Only when God keeps you alive will you know what to do. By 2031 Mr. President will not run and he will have interest in who will succeed him, and I will not be at loggerhead with his interest,” Wike said, adding that God ultimately determines the future.

NAN