Nigeria’s umbrella body for political parties has hit back at claims by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, that he is leading a “rainbow coalition” to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) described the minister’s assertions as “misleading” and insisted the former Rivers State governor has no mandate to speak for the country’s registered political parties.
The row follows comments made by Mr Wike last week, in which he urged other states to emulate a model of cross-party alliance he claims to have built to ensure a second term for the President.
‘Imagination’ vs Reality
In a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, IPAC National Publicity Secretary Egbeola Martins said the minister’s claims existed “only in his imagination.”
“At no time has he been granted the mandate by IPAC or by any registered political party to speak on their behalf or to determine their political preferences,” Mr Martins said.
He emphasised that political parties are independent institutions governed by their own constitutions and that decisions on alliances can only be made by their “duly constituted organs,” not by any single individual regardless of their influence.
The Rivers State Factor
The dispute highlights the deepening political rift in Rivers State, where Mr Wike is locked in a power struggle with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
IPAC’s counter-claims included:
- Support for Fubara: The council revealed that several parties are actually considering “unconditional solidarity” for Governor Fubara.
- Sacrificing Candidates: Some parties may voluntarily choose not to field governorship candidates in Rivers to help restore peace and stability in the state.
- Independent Action: IPAC stressed that these moves were being driven by collective solidarity, rather than the “rainbow coalition” described by the FCT Minister.
Wike’s ‘Rainbow’ Vision
Mr Wike had previously argued that politics in Rivers State had “transcended party affiliations” and was now anchored on a shared purpose to support the presidency.
Speaking during a visit to the Ahoada West area, he claimed that Rivers’ political strength was rooted in a “tradition of cooperation” that other states should follow ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, IPAC’s rejection suggests that the minister may face significant pushback from the wider political establishment as he seeks to mobilise support for the next electoral cycle.
The council concluded by warning against any attempts to “appropriate the collective will” of political parties for personal political ends.
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