He claimed that the opposition from some APC governors stems from their political self-interest, specifically regarding the upcoming elections for Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Wike accused Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, of aiming to ascend to the position of Senate President, suggesting that the apprehensions voiced by these governors reflect their desire to control the next Senate’s composition. He argued that the coalition will not lead to voter confusion, noting that Nigerians have previously voted across party lines, as evidenced during the 2023 elections where G5 governors supported Tinubu for President while their parties retained their candidates for other positions.
The minister emphasized that opposition to the Rainbow Coalition by APC governors, particularly Uzodimma, is politically motivated and rooted in fears that politicians denied APC tickets may seek alternative platforms, potentially affecting the outcomes of the elections. He ruled out any possibility of his support for Uzodimma’s ambitions, asserting that his support for Tinubu does not necessitate a withdrawal of PDP candidates in ongoing elections. Wike also refuted claims regarding any political arrangement involving the concession of nine states to the PDP, challenging the proponents of such reports to clarify which states were purportedly involved.
In his strategic plan for ensuring Tinubu’s re-election, Wike highlighted Tinubu’s advocacy for state police and resource devolution to sub-national governments as focal points for his campaign. He maintained that the details of the Rainbow Coalition were known to President Tinubu, who understood Wike’s objectives, reiterating that the coalition’s existence is not meant to weaken the APC but to empower various political candidates across parties in the upcoming elections. Wike remains steadfast in his belief that the opposition to his coalition is less about party integrity and more about individual aspirations within the APC.
