Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has reaffirmed his opposition to the activities of the Rainbow Coalition led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, calling for clarity over the minister’s political allegiance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Lawal said political actors should not simultaneously support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and candidates from other political parties, arguing that such a position creates uncertainty about their political commitments.
The governor made the remarks during an interview with Channels Television on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he addressed the growing disagreement surrounding Wike’s political activities.
His comments add to the debate over political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly within the APC and among political figures whose loyalties have become a subject of discussion.
Lawal Calls for Clear Political Allegiance
According to the governor, political leaders must make their allegiances clear rather than maintain relationships with competing political interests.
“I’m part of that mission, and our message is very, very clear: be on one side. You can’t be on two sides,” Lawal said.
The Zamfara governor added that supporting the APC while backing candidates from other parties was inconsistent with the political position he advocated.
Disagreement Between APC Governors and Wike
The latest remarks come amid a public disagreement between APC governors and Wike over the activities of the Rainbow Coalition.
The Progressive Governors Forum had previously distanced itself from the coalition, expressing concerns that its activities could affect the political interests and ambitions of some APC members.
Wike subsequently criticised the governors, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, describing them as politically lazy.
The exchange highlights the tensions surrounding political alliances and the positioning of influential figures ahead of the next general elections.
Although Wike serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, his political relationships with figures outside the APC have continued to attract attention.
Lawal Says Issue Will Be Raised With Tinubu
Lawal also disclosed that the disagreement would be brought to President Bola Tinubu’s attention after the president returns from his working vacation in France.
The governor did not provide a specific date for the proposed discussion or outline what action he expects the president to take.
His statement suggests that the controversy could extend beyond the public exchange between the APC governors and Wike, potentially bringing the matter to the attention of the party’s national leadership.
Why the Rainbow Coalition Dispute Matters Ahead of 2027
The disagreement underscores the importance of political alliances as parties and influential figures prepare for the 2027 general elections.
For the APC, the activities of political groups operating alongside or outside its formal structure could become a subject of debate over party unity, candidate support and electoral strategy.
The dispute also raises questions about how political figures who hold government positions while maintaining relationships with other political platforms will navigate competing interests as the election approaches.
However, Lawal’s remarks represent his position and that of the political forum he supports. They do not, on their own, establish a formal disciplinary action against Wike or a final decision by President Tinubu.
What Happens Next?
Attention will likely focus on whether Lawal raises the issue with Tinubu as indicated and whether the president or the APC leadership responds to the concerns expressed by the governors.
Further developments may also clarify the Rainbow Coalition’s political objectives, its relationship with the APC and the extent of Wike’s involvement in supporting candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
For now, the disagreement remains a public political dispute, with Lawal insisting that political allegiance should be clearly defined and the APC governors maintaining their distance from the coalition.
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