Abuja — October 14, 2026
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has moved to calm concerns among All Progressives Congress (APC) governors about the Rainbow Coalition, insisting the pro-Tinubu mobilization group poses no threat to the ruling party.
Speaking during a live media interaction, Wike described the coalition — which unites APC members and non-APC supporters of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid — as a complementary structure rather than a rival to the party. He explained that the “PBT/APC” tag used within the coalition simply reflects collaboration between party members and outside supporters working toward the same goal.
“No Problem,” Wike Says on Unity Concerns
Rejecting suggestions that the coalition could fracture the APC, Wike said flatly that he saw no cause for concern, arguing that cross-party political cooperation is nothing new in Nigeria. He noted that supporters can back a presidential candidate without abandoning their own party affiliations, and that the coalition’s flexible structure accounts for differing political realities across states.
The minister also pushed back against opposition figures who claim the Tinubu administration has little to show for its tenure, cautioning politicians against treating elections as a “do-or-die” affair and calling instead for accountability-driven, merit-based assessments of government performance.
Infrastructure and Security Gains Highlighted
Wike pointed to his administration’s FCT scorecard as evidence voters should weigh: new police stations across all six area councils, road projects linking Karshi, Kubwa and other communities, and consultations with traditional rulers aimed at extending development beyond Abuja’s city center. At least 10 new projects are expected to be commissioned before the end of December.
He revealed that several former lawmakers and ex-area council chairmen — regardless of political affiliation — have recently thrown their weight behind his administration, which he attributed to confidence in his governance style rather than loyalty to any particular candidate.
On water supply complaints in Karu, Wike maintained that government had delivered the core infrastructure, while connecting individual homes remained the responsibility of property owners.
He also dismissed claims that his FCT mobilization effort was merely aimed at securing the constitutionally required 25% threshold for Tinubu, calling the suggestion laughable given his role as coalition coordinator.
Wike closed by urging Nigerians to judge the President’s performance on its record rather than through the lens of party loyalty.
Comments