Crises In APC Deepen Over Wike, Split Tinubu’s Campaign Structure
OpenLife News reports that the crises rocking the All Progressives Congress over the role of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid have deepened, with state chairmen of the party sharply divided, splitting the President’s campaign structure.
The division followed moves by President Tinubu to resolve the rift between Wike and APC leaders over the minister’s Rainbow Coalition, a cross-party platform Wike said was aimed at mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election while remaining in the Peoples Democratic Party.
While 14 state chairmen said they would work with Wike if he formally joins APC or if the national leadership reaches an agreement with him, others rejected his coalition outright.
Chairmen Who Will Work With Wike If…
In Plateau, APC Chairman Rufus Bature said the party is ready to work with anybody in APC, including Wike, if peace is brokered, but warned: “If he wants to join the APC, he is free to do that because we don’t stop people from joining our party. But he cannot be APC in the morning and PDP in the night. We won’t allow that.”
Jigawa APC Publicity Secretary Bashir Kundu welcomed Wike’s support, saying the party appreciates his contribution to Tinubu’s 2027 campaign and is ready to work with anyone supporting the President.
Gombe Chairman Mohammed Dantata said anyone willing to join would be welcomed.
Zamfara Chairman Kabiru Moyi said: “If the National Secretariat of our great party is ready to align with him for the success of the party, I have nothing to say but to accept the decision.”
Bauchi Chairman Muhammad Tilde was cautious, saying he cannot independently decide even if Tinubu brokers peace, insisting it requires consultation with other chairmen and stakeholders.
Taraba APC said its priority remains strengthening the party and supporting Tinubu, and would work within any framework agreed by the President and party organs.
Chairmen Who Reject Rainbow Coalition
The Rainbow Coalition faced outright rejection in several states. Sokoto Chairman Haruna Adiya said the state has no issue to resolve because no APC member belongs to the coalition.Kebbi chapter said it recognises only its internal Tinubu/Kauran Gwandu support structure.
Benue Chairman Benjamin Omale said the party is yet to receive an invitation from the Presidency and remains focused on a unity movement backing Governor Hyacinth Alia and Tinubu.
Nasarawa APC Publicity Secretary Augustine Ogaba urged Wike to abandon the coalition and join APC: “As APC members, we do not approve of any coalition that is not recognised or supported by our party’s leadership.”
In Rivers, where Wike’s structure is contentious, the APC faction led by Emeka Beke argued the minister should not undermine existing structure. Publicity Secretary Darlington Nwauju said they are yet to determine whether to work with him.
Imo APC Publicity Secretary Jones Onwuasoanya doubted Tinubu would bypass governors: “There are channels of communication within the party, and the party at the state level will always abide by the Constitution… We believe he would always consult with the governors before taking decisions that affect the party at local levels.
In Kwara, Chairman Sunday Fagbemi declined comment, while chieftain Abdul-Rahoof Labelabe said the G15, now OTOGE Progressives, had already begun working with Wike’s coalition.
Oyo Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare declined comment, describing the matter as sensitive.
Wike has maintained his support for Tinubu does not stop PDP from fielding governorship and legislative candidates, a position APC leaders said could weaken the ruling party in 2027.
With APC state chairmen split, the proposed reconciliation will determine how the ruling party balances Wike’s cross-party mobilisation with protection of its own candidates.
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