Tinubu understands my Rainbow Coalition – Wike
FCT Minister Defends Rainbow Coalition Amid Criticism
By Omeiza Ajayi
Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike asserted that President Bola Tinubu fully comprehends the goals of the Rainbow Coalition project. Wike claims that recent criticism of the initiative is largely orchestrated by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, who he suggests is motivated by aspirations to become Senate President before his current term concludes.
During a live interview on TVC on Monday night, Wike, who also serves as the national leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), rejected allegations that the Rainbow Coalition poses a threat to President Tinubu’s re-election campaign. He described the criticism as the actions of an individual attempting to instigate conflict within the political system rather than present truthful information to the public.
“In a country like this, with an impending end to a tenure in 10 or 11 months, the focus should not be on instigating a crisis,” Wike said. “The Rainbow Coalition is not a problem. Everyone across the states supports the President. If you want to run for the Senate, the House of Representatives, or for governorship, that is your own internal affair.”
Wike clarified that the coalition’s objective is for citizens from various political parties to endorse Tinubu’s re-election while allowing members the freedom to pursue their own political ambitions at the state and national assembly levels. He emphasized that it is unrealistic to expect party members to refrain from seeking election for positions while also being asked to provide candidates for the PDP.
He also addressed rumors that President Tinubu agreed to concede nine states to him as part of the coalition arrangement, challenging those claims and demanding clarity on which states were allegedly involved. “First of all, did they tell you the nine states? No, they didn’t tell me. We owe Nigerians the truth. Which are those nine states?” Wike stated, insisting that such rumors have no basis in truth.
Wike pointed to Tinubu’s proposals on state police and the discussion surrounding a presidency from the South-East as signs of the president’s willingness to confront issues that previous leaders have avoided. “Mr. President has taken the bull by the horns,” Wike said of Tinubu’s position on state police, asserting that the president is actively engaging with calls for security reforms.
On speculation regarding his potential candidacy for the presidency in 2031, Wike dismissed those suggestions, stating that any ambition he might have does not conflict with Tinubu’s future plans, as the president will not be seeking re-election at that time.
“The narrative of ambition is misplaced,” he said, adding that through his political journey, he has achieved considerable successes under Tinubu’s leadership. Wike argued that resistance to the Rainbow Coalition arises more from the desire to maintain control over influential National Assembly positions rather than from a sincere concern for the president’s interests.
Wike also clarified that, despite perceptions of distrust toward certain All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, there has been no need for direct outreach because no genuine issues have arisen. He stated, “Why would the President call me? Is there any issue? The President will communicate when there are challenges to address.”
Differentiating between governors he considers approachable and those he believes are engaged in negative behavior, Wike criticized Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for perpetuating grievances against him. “You have a problem with Saraki? You go and fight with Saraki. Why do you, as a politician, fall into his trap?” Wike remarked, maintaining that he is focused on his own objectives rather than political rivalries.
Wike’s comments reflect his commitment to transparency and his belief in the necessity of political collaboration across party lines to support Nigeria’s governance.
