Minister of Works David Umahi has categorically denied claims that Nyesom Wike’s Rainbow Coalition Movement is active in Ebonyi State, stating the political alliance does not exist in the southeastern state ahead of the 2027 elections. The remarks, made during an inspection of the Calabar-Abuja Superhighway in Benue State, were shared via a circulating Facebook video and underscored deepening political tensions within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi and a prominent APC member, emphasized that the Rainbow Coalition—led by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike—has no presence in the state. 'There is no (Rainbow) Coalition in Ebonyi State. There is none,' he stated, adding that if Wike has a governorship candidate in the region, he has not been informed. 'His candidates cannot break our relationship. But his candidate is not part of our relationship,' Umahi said, highlighting the friction between Wike and APC governors.
The Rainbow Coalition, a multi-party arrangement, was established to bolster President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. Wike, a PDP faction leader recognized by the court and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has positioned the coalition to support APC candidates for non-presidential roles while backing Tinubu’s presidential campaign. However, Umahi’s comments reflect broader concerns among APC governors about the coalition’s potential influence in state elections.
The dispute between Wike and APC governors intensified in June 2024 when Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru threatened to 'consume' the FCT minister if he challenged him in the 2027 governorship race. Nwifuru’s remarks followed allegations that Wike’s allies had claimed Tinubu had ceded control of Ebonyi to the PDP faction. This led to heightened fears that the Rainbow Coalition could be used to undermine APC governors in the 2027 elections.
Umahi, who left the PDP in 2020, humorously dismissed the party’s relevance in Ebonyi, stating, 'I killed PDP when I left PDP. Whether they are alive again, I don’t know.' He criticized the PDP for failing to honor promises to southeastern states, including not offering presidential tickets to local leaders. 'We have hope in APC,' he said, reinforcing his alignment with the ruling party.
The minister also addressed campaign dynamics in Ebonyi, asserting that opposition candidates are free to operate but warned against inciting unrest. 'Anybody that wants to campaign, come and campaign. But don’t dish out hate speeches. And you want to dish out hate speeches and you want us to make a red carpet for you. We will not do that,' he declared. Umahi emphasized that the state would not tolerate efforts to 'foment a crisis,' vowing to counter any destabilizing actions.
In a bold statement, Umahi claimed there are no threats to the re-election prospects of Governor Nwifuru and President Tinubu in Ebonyi. 'I don’t think we have any threat either for the president or for the governor or for any of the APC candidates in this Ebony State,' he said. He expressed confidence in the APC’s dominance, stating, 'If we win 95 percent (of votes), that will be our dream come true.'
The tensions between Wike and APC governors have escalated amid speculation about the Rainbow Coalition’s role in the 2027 elections. Wike, who serves in Tinubu’s administration, has openly supported the president’s re-election, despite being a PDP faction leader. His alignment with the APC has drawn criticism from some governors, who view the coalition as a potential tool for political maneuvering against them.
Umahi’s comments reflect a broader rift within the APC, where disagreements over coalition strategies and party loyalty have intensified. The minister’s rejection of the Rainbow Coalition’s presence in Ebonyi signals a strategic move to consolidate APC support in the state, countering Wike’s influence. 'We have so many leaders that are with us. So there is nothing to fear other than to calculate our votes ahead of time,' he said.
The political maneuvering in Ebonyi highlights the complex interplay between state and federal politics in Nigeria. With the 2027 elections approaching, the state’s political landscape remains a focal point for both the APC and PDP factions. Umahi’s stance underscores the challenges of maintaining unity within the ruling party amid competing interests.
Analysts note that the Rainbow Coalition’s potential impact on state elections could reshape Nigeria’s political dynamics. While Wike positions the alliance as a unifying force for Tinubu’s re-election, critics argue it risks deepening divisions within the APC. The situation in Ebonyi exemplifies the broader struggle for influence within the party as the 2027 campaign season looms.
Umahi’s remarks also touch on the historical grievances of the southeastern region, where leaders feel marginalized by national political decisions. His criticism of the PDP’s treatment of the southeast reflects a broader sentiment among regional leaders who seek greater representation and accountability from national parties.
The ongoing tensions between Wike and APC governors have raised concerns about the stability of the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections. As the political landscape evolves, the role of coalitions like the Rainbow Coalition will remain a critical factor in determining the outcome of future elections.
The situation in Ebonyi underscores the importance of local political dynamics in shaping national outcomes. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the state’s political alignment and the influence of key figures like Umahi and Wike will be closely watched by analysts and voters alike.
Umahi’s assertion that the Rainbow Coalition has no presence in Ebonyi is a strategic statement aimed at reinforcing APC unity and countering Wike’s influence. His comments, while firm, also reveal the delicate balance of power within the ruling party as it prepares for the next electoral cycle.
The political developments in Ebonyi highlight the challenges of maintaining party cohesion in a fragmented political environment. As the 2027 elections approach, the interplay between state and federal actors will continue to shape Nigeria’s political trajectory.
The ongoing discourse around the Rainbow Coalition and its implications for the 2027 elections underscores the need for transparency and accountability in Nigerian politics. As stakeholders navigate these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring fair and inclusive electoral processes for all citizens.