Wike Defends Rainbow Coalition Amid APC Concerns

On September 22, 2026, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, addressed concerns from some governors of the All Progressives Congress regarding the proposed Rainbow Coalition. He stated that the coalition's primary purpose is to mobilize support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election in the upcoming 2027 elections.

Wike emphasized that the coalition would not prevent politicians from contesting governorship and legislative elections on their respective party platforms. Additionally, the Nigeria Labour Congress and civil servants, represented by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, demanded a new minimum wage of N500,000 and a reduction in petrol prices to N500 per litre to alleviate the economic hardships faced by workers.

The article also mentions ongoing debates about President Bola Tinubu's absence from the United Nations General Assembly, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing Nigeria, and the Presidency asserting that this absence will not be a diplomatic setback.