APC state chairmen split over possible alliance with Wike ahead of 2027

All Progressives Congress officials across several states are divided over whether they would work with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike as President Bola Tinubu seeks to address disagreements involving the minister and party leaders ahead of the 2027 elections. The differing positions centre on Wike’s continued membership of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party while serving in an APC-led Federal Government. They also reflect opposition to his promotion of the Rainbow Coalition, a cross-party platform he has described as a means of mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election.

Some state officials said they would work with Wike if he formally joined the APC or if the party’s national leadership reached an agreement with him. Others said the coalition had no place within their states. Plateau APC chairman Rufus Bature said the party would work with Wike if peace were brokered, but insisted that he could not identify with two rival parties simultaneously.

Jigawa publicity secretary Bashir Kundu, by contrast, welcomed Wike’s support for Tinubu and said the party was ready to work with anyone backing the President. Gombe chairman Mohammed Dantata said prospective members would be welcomed, while Zamfara chairman Kabiru Moyi said he would accept any decision reached by the national secretariat. Bauchi chairman Muhammad Tilde said the issue required consultation with state chairmen and other stakeholders.

Several chapters expressed reservations about the coalition. Sokoto said it had no related structure, while Kebbi recognised only its internal Tinubu/Kauran Gwandu support arrangement. Nasarawa urged Wike to join the APC and abandon the coalition.

In Rivers, an APC faction said it had not decided whether to work with Wike. Benue also said it had not received an invitation from the Presidency and would take a collective position if approached.