Disaffected APC Leaders Rally Behind Wike's Coalition Ahead of 2027

Disaffected members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are increasingly supporting Nyesom Wike's Rainbow Coalition, with senior figures from at least ten states either defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or endorsing the coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. A national leader of the APC indicated that this coalition serves as a safety valve for members who might otherwise defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The states involved include Kwara, Gombe, Cross River, Osun, Katsina, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Ogun, Jigawa, and Ondo. Notable figures such as Senator Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) and Senator Olubuyi Fadeyi have joined Wike's camp after losing out in the APC nomination processes.

The coalition's formation has drawn criticism from some APC governors, particularly Hope Uzodinma, who opposes Wike due to personal political ambitions. Wike's spokesman dismissed claims of a 2031 presidential ambition, emphasizing that power rotation would favor a northern candidate post-2023.