2027: Rivers APC backs Wike-led Rainbow Coalition

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has reaffirmed its commitment to the Rainbow Coalition led by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. This decision differs from the stance of the party's Progressive Governors' Forum, which opposes the Wike-led political movement. In a statement, APC Chairman Tony Okocha and Publicity Secretary Chibike Ikenga emphasized the party's collaboration with other political entities within the coalition to secure votes for President Bola Tinubu and other coalition candidates in the 2027 elections.

The Rivers APC argued that political alliances should be tailored to the unique interests and circumstances of each state, rather than adhering to a uniform approach nationwide. They highlighted that forming partnerships to protect the state's interests is a local decision, guided by the aspirations of its citizens. The party maintained that their alliance with Wike and other political groups contributed to their success in the 2023 elections and expressed confidence that this approach would yield even greater support for President Tinubu in 2027.

The statement urged the Progressive Governors' Forum to broaden alliances, engage other political groups, and intensify voter mobilization in their respective states. The Rivers APC stressed that political conditions vary from one state to another and cautioned against imposing a single political strategy across the country. They emphasized that "all politics is local" and insisted that local political interests should remain central to state decisions.

The Rivers chapter rejected pressure from political groups outside the state, reaffirming their comfort with their coalition arrangements and expressing no regrets about their role in establishing the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State. This announcement comes after the Progressive Governors' Forum stated that APC governors were not collaborating with the Rainbow Coalition or any political alliance with other parties in their states, reaffirming their commitment to securing victory for APC candidates in the 2027 elections.