By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) has distanced the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the political activities of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, warning that the ruling party has no alliance with his “Rainbow Coalition.”
The PGF chairman and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, issued the warning on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, in Abuja, during a meeting of APC governors.
Uzodinma expressed concern over what he described as the expansion of Wike’s political coalition beyond Rivers State, particularly into Edo State, as political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify.
The governor, who was accompanied by Kaduna State Governor and PGF Vice Chairman, Uba Sani, said developments in Edo State were already causing concern within the APC.
“APC in Edo State is divided locally and it looks like there’s trouble weeks after Wike’s Rainbow Coalition is expanding its base beyond Rivers State to other states of the federation,” Uzodinma said.
He added, “So how will this plan work out? And what will be the response of the Honourable Minister? We are yet to see. But the campaigns have just started.”
Uzodinma’s comments came amid growing political manoeuvring by various groups ahead of the 2027 elections, with Wike’s Rainbow Coalition bringing together political interests across party lines, particularly in Rivers State.
The PGF chairman’s remarks also appeared aimed at reassuring APC members that the party was not operating in partnership with the coalition and that Wike’s political activities would not create a parallel structure within the ruling party.
However, the Rivers State APC Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, dismissed the governors’ concerns, arguing that opposition to Wike was largely driven by his growing political influence.
Ikenga said the APC leadership in Rivers remained united behind Wike and President Bola Tinubu.
“We are in control here under the leadership of Chief Nyesom Wike and the government of Rivers State. All of us are together here, working in support of the President and our candidate,” he said.
Defending the Rainbow Coalition, Ikenga said its strategy was to bring together political actors who might otherwise be opponents in order to reduce electoral competition and improve their chances of victory.
“You build alliances, you build partnerships, and you bring in people who ordinarily oppose you for the purpose of winning elections fair and square,” he said.
According to him, the coalition’s approach was also intended to reduce campaign costs, internal crises and opposition.
“That is what the Rainbow Coalition stands for,” Ikenga said.
He further claimed that the growing interest in the coalition outside Rivers State was what had unsettled some APC governors.
“And because others have seen the way we have put ourselves together in Rivers State under Chief Nyesom Wike, they are beginning to emulate it. That is the fear of these governors,” he said.
Ikenga also challenged the governors to concentrate on their respective states, insisting that they lacked the political strength to influence the outcome of elections in Rivers State.
The exchange highlights the increasingly fluid political alignments and tensions within and around the ruling APC as parties and political groups position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential and governorship elections.