A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has called for dialogue between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and APC governors over the minister’s proposed Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Igbokwe said Wike should engage the governors and explain the objectives of the political initiative rather than allowing disagreements over the proposal to escalate into public exchanges.
The APC chieftain made the remarks while reacting to the disagreement between Wike and members of the APC Progressive Governors’ Forum.
Wike had described the APC governors as “politically lazy” following their opposition to his proposed cross-party coalition, which he said was intended to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
However, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, said the governors would not back any political arrangement capable of weakening the APC or undermining Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
Reacting to the development, Igbokwe acknowledged Wike’s political influence, warning that his role in the political landscape should not be dismissed.
According to him, Wike remains a “critical stakeholder” with followers and political influence.
Igbokwe, however, questioned the manner in which the Rainbow Coalition proposal was introduced, arguing that Wike needed to consult with other stakeholders, particularly APC governors.
He said the disagreements should be addressed through internal engagement and explanation rather than public confrontation.
“No man is an Island. Explain to you colleagues what you are trying to do,” Igbokwe said.
