Wike's Coalition Faces Opposition Ahead of 2027 Elections

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, formed a coalition to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027. However, as of September 18, 2026, the coalition is encountering significant opposition from within Rivers State and beyond.

Figures from the Labour Party (LP) and South-East All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders have distanced themselves from the coalition. Favour Reuben, the former South-South Zonal Vice Chairman of the LP, stated he has no ties to the coalition, alleging that the LP governorship candidate recognized by the coalition is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Political analyst Celestine Akpobari criticized the coalition as non-inclusive and ethnically biased, advocating for power to shift to the Ogoni people. Despite the backlash, a Rivers APC chieftain defended the coalition's inclusivity, claiming local government chairmen and ward councillors are involved.

Additionally, APC leadership in the South-East expressed support for backing only APC candidates in 2027, rejecting the coalition as a "rainbow (chameleon) coalition.".