Zamfara Governor Tells Wike to Pick One Political Side in Rainbow Coalition Dispute

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has called on Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to make his political allegiance unambiguous in light of Wike's connection to the Rainbow Coalition. Lawal argued that Wike cannot at the same time support the All Progressives Congress and other parties. Wike belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party but has been linked to the Rainbow Coalition, a multi-party grouping formed to gather backing for President Bola Tinubu's 2027 reelection effort. In an interview with Channels Television conducted on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Lawal said Wike has to decide where he stands. He said the message from him and other governors is unambiguous: Wike should be on one side only. According to Lawal, if Wike is with the APC, he should openly support it, rather than backing the APC in one place while supporting other parties elsewhere. Lawal described such an arrangement as illogical and said it is not practiced anywhere. Lawal added that their position remains firm and that while Wike is free to speak or say whatever he wishes, they are committed to the APC completely. When asked if the governors were in effect urging Wike to join the APC, Lawal answered in the affirmative. He said he would discuss the matter with the President upon the President's return, and that there should be a clear boundary showing where Wike belongs. Lawal put it simply: Wike is either in the APC or out of it. He said he stands with his fellow governors.