Makinde Hits Wike Over Rainbow Coalition, Says APM Is Not a Member

The presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over the inclusion of his party in the Rainbow Coalition being promoted ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Makinde expressed surprise that Wike listed the APM among the political parties participating in the coalition during its unveiling in Rivers State.

The Oyo State governor spoke on Thursday at the APM South-East Town Hall Meeting in Enugu, where he addressed stakeholders and supporters as part of his party’s preparations for the 2027 presidential election.

Makinde said he watched the event where Wike introduced the coalition and mentioned several political parties, including the APM.

“A few days ago, I saw my good friend, Nyesom Wike, who was unveiling the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, and he listed all the political parties in the coalition and mentioned APM. I said, ‘So APM has graduated to be added to the Rainbow Coalition?’” he said.

The governor’s remarks appeared to challenge the claim that the APM was part of the political arrangement being coordinated by Wike, who has said the coalition is intended to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

Makinde also accused the ruling party of attempting to weaken opposition parties through various political tactics as preparations for the election gather momentum.

He alleged that opposition campaigns had faced interference, including the removal of campaign posters and disruption of political activities.

“They’ve tried to undermine almost all the opposition parties. They can try, pull down posters, disturb the campaigns, and give people money. We, on the other hand, are winning hearts,” Makinde said.

He maintained that his party would continue to engage Nigerians and build support despite what he described as attempts to undermine opposition activities.

Makinde urged supporters not to be discouraged by campaign disruptions, stressing that the APM would rely on public engagement and voters’ decisions at the ballot box.

He also encouraged Nigerians to retain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), saying their votes would remain an important means of expressing their political choices.

The disagreement comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, as Wike’s Rainbow Coalition seeks to bring together politicians from different parties to support Tinubu’s re-election.

The coalition recently unveiled candidates for various elective positions in Rivers State, drawing participants from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Makinde’s remarks, however, highlight differences over the coalition’s membership and the role of opposition parties in the emerging political arrangements.

The APM is pursuing its own presidential campaign under Makinde, who has been holding town hall meetings across the country to gather public views ahead of the planned release of his party’s manifesto.

The political exchanges reflect increasing competition among parties and political groups as they position themselves for the 2027 general elections.