Nyesom Wike's Rainbow Coalition Faces Inclusivity Critique

The Rainbow Coalition, initiated by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, aims to mobilize support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027. The coalition includes six political parties: the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance, Allied Peoples Movement, Labour Party, and Action Alliance.

However, the unveiling of candidates on October 27 raised concerns about inclusivity, as the APC secured the majority of positions: two out of three senatorial seats, ten out of thirteen House of Representatives candidates, and twenty-one out of thirty-two State House of Assembly seats. The other parties did not produce any candidates.

For the governorship election, the coalition's other parties reportedly adopted APC candidate Kingsley Chinda (Rep, Obio Akpor) and his running mate Major Jack, but Labour Party candidates were not mentioned despite being on the Independent National Electoral Commission's final list. Favour Reuben of the Labour Party criticized the coalition's promises of inclusivity as unrealistic.