2027: Ondo APC elders reject rainbow coalition

The PBAT Mandate Elders Forum in Ondo State has dismissed the concept of the proposed Rainbow Coalition involving Minister Nyesom Wike, asserting that the All Progressives Congress (APC) can secure all elected positions in the state without giving up any of its candidates. This stands in contrast to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa's earlier support for the coalition, which he described as a non-issue as long as it aided President Bola Tinubu's re-election.

Aiyedatiwa claimed on Channels Television’s Politics Today that politics revolves around interests, relationships, and alliances, and there’s nothing wrong with forming a coalition or alliance. However, Demola Ijabiyi, chairman of the PBAT Mandate Elders Forum, argued on Wednesday that while cooperation with other parties to help Tinubu win is welcome, such an alliance cannot occur at the expense of APC candidates in Ondo.

Speaking to journalists after the forum, Ijabiyi stated that while a Rainbow Coalition could be necessary in certain states, it is not applicable in Ondo where the APC holds the state government and all local government councils. He emphasized, "We, the elders of APC, are saying that we don't need it in Ondo State. That's the bottom line.

We don't need it. We can win without coalition." Ijabiyi explained that the coalition was meant to compensate for electoral weaknesses of political parties through mutual support, but maintained that Ondo APC had no constituencies where it was unable to win elections. He warned party members supporting candidates from other parties against what he termed as anti-party activities.