Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the cross-party Rainbow Coalition, insisting that his major political priority is supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 presidential election.

Wike stated this on Monday in Abuja while speaking with journalists after inspecting ongoing road projects across the Federal Capital Territory.

He dismissed allegations that the coalition was established to destabilise existing political parties, describing such claims as baseless.

According to him, the coalition brings together individuals from different political platforms who support Tinubu’s administration and want to mobilise support for his re-election.

Wike said his immediate political focus was the 2027 presidential election and ensuring the continuation of Tinubu’s administration beyond 2027.

He explained that his support for Tinubu did not mean that members of the coalition were prevented from supporting candidates of their choice in other elections.

“We have not gone to anyone to say they should not support anyone; rather, we asked all our party members and like-minded people who are not APC members to ensure they support Mr President,” he said.

The minister also compared the coalition with the role played by the G5 governors during the 2023 general elections, questioning why similar concerns were not raised about the group at the time.

Wike said the Rainbow Coalition was not intended to undermine political parties, adding that voters could support one candidate in the presidential election and different candidates in state and legislative contests.

He had previously clarified that his support for Tinubu did not prevent the Peoples Democratic Party from fielding candidates in governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections. He also maintained that the coalition had no formal connection with the All Progressives Congress.

Wike said he would provide further explanations about the coalition during a television appearance later on Monday.

While speaking about the ongoing projects in the FCT, the minister commended contractors for maintaining what he described as high standards and assured that the Tinubu administration would fulfil its promises.

The Rainbow Coalition has attracted criticism from some APC governors, who have said their political focus remains on supporting APC candidates at all levels in the 2027 elections.