WIKE DEFENDS RAINBOW COALITION, SAYS ‘TINUBU’S RE-ELECTION MY PRIORITY’

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that his major political priority ahead of the 2027 elections is supporting President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term.

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

The minister also dismissed allegations that the cross-party Rainbow Coalition, which he is associated with, was created to destabilise existing political parties.

He described the allegations as baseless, saying the coalition was intended to bring together people from different political platforms who support Tinubu’s administration and re-election.

Wike said his immediate political concern was the 2027 presidential election and ensuring that Tinubu remains in office beyond 2027.

“My primary concern is whether Tinubu will be re-elected for a second term, and I have made it known from the onset that I am going to support Mr President with all my might and strength,” he said.

He said he was not concerned about the accusations surrounding the coalition but expressed disappointment over claims that the initiative could destabilise the All Progressives Congress.

According to Wike, the coalition does not prevent anyone from supporting other political interests, but encourages its members and other like-minded Nigerians to support Tinubu.

“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 recalled the role played by the G5 governors during the 2023 general elections, questioning why similar concerns were not raised at the time about the potential impact of the group on the political structure.

“Looking back at 2023 when it was the G5, why did nobody complain that it would destabilise the party? Did the President not win? Did it affect the APC-controlled National Assembly?” he asked.

Wike acknowledged that the G5 may have provided some political advantage but said that was not enough to explain the concerns now being raised about the Rainbow Coalition.

He further said he would appear on TVC later on Monday to explain what he described as the underlying issues behind the opposition to the coalition.

The minister also dismissed speculation that his current political activities were aimed at positioning himself for the 2031 presidential election.

Wike said political developments beyond 2027 could not be determined in advance and that the future would ultimately depend on circumstances at the time.

He recalled that he contested the 2022 PDP presidential primary election and finished second, saying the experience had exposed him to the complexities of Nigerian politics.

Wike also said that by 2031, Tinubu would have completed his tenure and would naturally have an interest in who succeeds him.

“By 2031 Mr President will not run and he will have interest in who will succeed him, and I will not be at loggerhead with his interest,” he said.

The minister also commented on ongoing projects in the FCT, expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of work.

He said the projects were expected to be completed before the 2027 general elections and commended the contractors for maintaining the required standards.

Wike inspected the ongoing construction of the Inner Southern Expressway from Ring Road I to Ring Road II, the service lanes of the Southern Parkway from Arterial Road S20 in Gaduwa District to Ring Road II, and the road linking Nile University to Ring Road III.

He assured residents that the Tinubu administration would continue working towards fulfilling its commitments on infrastructure development in the FCT.