APC Group Raises Concerns Over Wike’s ‘Rainbow Coalition,’ Warns Against Party Divisions

The APC Grassroots Governance Organization has expressed concern over the political activities of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, alleging that his proposed “rainbow coalition” could deepen divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja and signed by Mukhtar Taminu, the organisation alleged that the initiative appeared to be creating a political structure capable of undermining the unity of the ruling party, its governors and other stakeholders.

The group compared Wike’s current political activities with his role in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2023 general election, when he emerged as a leading figure in the Integrity Group, popularly known as the G5 governors.

According to the organisation, the internal disagreements involving the G5 contributed to divisions within the PDP ahead of the 2023 polls.

“Today, we are witnessing what appears to be the same script being replayed within the APC,” the statement said.

The group questioned the objectives of the proposed “rainbow coalition,” arguing that any genuine political coalition should promote cooperation, dialogue and unity rather than deepen disagreements among political leaders.

It also accused Wike of making critical remarks about some APC governors and warned that confrontations involving senior members of the ruling party could threaten its internal cohesion.

“We consider such utterances reckless, provocative and inimical to the unity of the APC,” the organisation said.

The group maintained that the APC remained bigger than the political ambitions of any individual, stressing that the party belonged to millions of members, elected officials and stakeholders across the country.

It warned the APC leadership against allowing internal disagreements to develop into the kind of crisis that affected the PDP ahead of the 2023 elections.

“A rainbow coalition cannot become a political army,” the statement added.

The organisation consequently urged Wike to refrain from statements or actions capable of escalating tensions between him and APC governors.

While acknowledging that political ambition and political organisation were legitimate, it argued that such activities should not be pursued at the expense of the stability of the governing party.

The group further alleged that some of the emerging political activities could be linked to calculations over future political succession, including the period beyond the current administration.

“Nobody should be allowed to destabilise the APC today in pursuit of a personal political arrangement for tomorrow,” it said.

It called on APC leaders, governors and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and work towards strengthening internal democracy and unity within the party.

The organisation said the immediate priority of party members should be supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, strengthening elected APC governments and consolidating the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The party will not allow any individual or personal political project to undermine its cohesion, weaken its elected leaders or jeopardise its electoral future,” the statement said.