Wike Defends Rainbow Coalition Amid Tinubu's 2023 Claims

Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, rejected allegations that the Rainbow Coalition was responsible for the All Progressives Congress (APC)'s poor performance in Imo State during the 2023 presidential election. He challenged Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is also the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), to clarify the reasons behind the APC's lackluster showing.

Wike stated that his focus for the 2027 elections is to rally support for President Bola Tinubu, rather than interfere in local political contests. He clarified that the Rainbow Coalition is not an APC structure but a platform for various political party members supporting Tinubu.

Wike questioned the voting patterns in the South-East, particularly in Imo, where the APC secured two Senate seats despite receiving less than 15% of the presidential vote. He urged local political leaders to address their issues instead of blaming the President's re-election efforts.