Rufai Oseni Warns APC Governors as Wike’s Rainbow Coalition Influences Party Politics

Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni has warned governors in states where Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has political interests not to underestimate the influence of his emerging Rainbow Coalition.

Oseni made the remarks on Friday during the What’s Trending segment of Arise Television’s Morning Show, following renewed political tensions surrounding Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and former governor Rochas Okorocha.

The journalist argued that Wike’s political relationship with President Bola Tinubu appeared to be influencing developments within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), despite Wike being a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He pointed to conflicting public statements by Wike and Uzodimma concerning the President’s position on the proposed Rainbow Coalition.

Wike had said Tinubu endorsed the coalition, which is intended to mobilise support for the President’s re-election in 2027. Uzodimma, however, had also said the President directed political leaders to work towards delivering the APC.

According to Oseni, the statements suggested that Wike enjoyed considerable access to the President.

“The effect of Rainbow Coalition has started to permeate through Nigeria. Wike’s Rainbow Coalition is already shaping the APC,” Oseni said.

He further argued that Wike’s political influence was extending beyond Rivers State and could affect political calculations in other states.

The comments come amid a dispute between Okorocha and Uzodimma over the APC senatorial ticket for Imo West ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The disagreement has also exposed divisions among political actors over Wike’s coalition. In September, the APC Progressive Governors Forum, chaired by Uzodimma, rejected political arrangements that could undermine the party or its candidates in the 2027 elections.

Wike, however, has maintained that the coalition is intended to mobilise support for Tinubu across political parties and does not require him to abandon the PDP.

Oseni urged governors in states where Wike has political interests to take the unfolding developments seriously, warning that the coalition could play a prominent role in the next general elections.