The APC South-east caucus has formally rejected the Rainbow Coalition proposal, demanding that Minister Nyesom Wike apologize to the party's governors for his recent comments regarding their political capacity. Godswill Akpabio, serving as Senate President, and Opeyemi Bamidele, acting as Senate Leader, have publicly endorsed the coalition's promotion by FCT Minister Wike to mobilize support for President Tinubu's re-election campaign. This endorsement highlights a significant disagreement between the FCT minister and some APC leaders, who argue that the coalition undermines their own political standing within the party hierarchy. [1]
Campaign Council Composition and Leadership Structure
President Bola Tinubu will chair the 2027 presidential campaign council, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima serving as First Vice Chairman. APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda holds the position of Second Vice Chairman, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio acts as First Deputy Vice Chairman. The expanded membership list includes prominent figures from opposition parties, such as the Minister of FCT, who has been appointed campaign coordinator for Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory. [2]
Specific Roles and Appointment Details
Among the notable officials included in the council are Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni and Senate Chief Whip Opeyemi Bamidele, who have been designated as deputy directors-general. The APC has released an expanded membership list bringing together various political figures to coordinate President Tinubu's re-election efforts. These appointments reflect a deliberate strategy to integrate opposition leaders into the campaign machinery while maintaining internal party discipline. [2]
Internal Party Disagreements and Political Capacity Accusations
APC governors and other leadership figures have alleged that Wike's advocacy for the coalition is an attempt to gain undue influence over the Senate. They contend that the opposition's involvement in the campaign council demonstrates a lack of national unity. In response, Akpabio commended Tinubu for including opposition figures, describing the move as evidence of political inclusiveness and national unity efforts. [1]
Confirmed Next Steps and Uncertainty
The confirmed next step involves the Senate President and Senate Leader formally addressing the APC governors regarding Wike's remarks. While the coalition remains officially rejected by the caucus, there is uncertainty regarding whether Wike will publicly apologize or if the disagreement will escalate further within the party leadership structure. [1]
Sources and further reading
- 2027: Akpabio, Opeyemi back Wike’s Rainbow Coalition, other opposition in APC campaign council
- APC to Inaugurate President Tinubu’s 2027 Campaign Council
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