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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, Tuesday defended the emerging political coalition supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, saying that the initiative is designed to strengthen the president’s electoral chances rather than undermine the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wike, who spoke during a media parley in Abuja, dismissed concerns that the Rainbow Coalition could create divisions within the ruling party, arguing that the president’s re-election should attract support beyond APC membership.
The minister, who coordinates the coalition’s activities in Rivers state and the FCT, stated that the initiative accommodates both APC members and supporters of Tinubu from other political parties.
He added that the arrangement recognises the political realities in different states while providing a common platform for those who believe the president deserves another term.
“If you see that word, PBT/APC, it means those who are supporting the president who are not members of the party, together with the party, are working together to achieve that purpose,” Wike said.
He cited Borno state governor, Babagana Zulum, and Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, as examples of political figures associated with the coalition’s state-level coordination.
He argued that the initiative was not intended to displace the APC but to mobilise support for Tinubu across political affiliations.
He added that the APC remained the platform through which the president would seek re-election, while supporters outside the party could contribute to the same objective.
“The major thing is Mr. President. Whatever we are going to do, whoever has any idea or anything to contribute is to the success of Mr. President. That is the whole thing,” he said.
The minister also dismissed suggestions that the coalition had unsettled APC governors or could encourage defections from the ruling party.
He added that the coalition reflected an effort to move beyond the traditional boundaries of party politics and build broader support for the president.
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