State governors elected on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have issued a strong warning against the creation of parallel political structures that could undermine President Bola Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid. 

The declaration was made by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, following a high-level closed-door meeting at the Imo State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja. The move is widely regarded as a direct response to the Rainbow Coalition championed by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.

Concerns Over Party Unity and Voter Confusion

The warning highlights mounting internal friction within the APC regarding the coalition. Powerful blocs within the party have expressed concern that competing political arrangements could split votes, create divided loyalties, and damage the ruling party's electoral prospects.

The governors emphasized that fielding candidates under alternative banners could severely confuse rural voters. These mounting political tensions are already visible across several states, including Rivers, Kwara, Gombe, and Cross River.

Firm Commitment to Official APC Candidates

Governor Uzodimma made it clear that the forum's primary focus remains absolute support for official APC candidates at all levels, rather than external interests.

• Unanimous Resolution: The governors resolved not to participate in, support, or endorse any political alliance that weakens the APC or threatens the president's re-election.

• Exclusive Focus: Campaign efforts will be channeled strictly toward candidates officially sponsored by the party.

• Centralized Campaign Architecture: State chapters will align their local campaigns directly with the strategic objectives of the national leadership and President Tinubu.

The Broader Political Landscape

The friction stems from the activities surrounding Nyesom Wike—who remains a registered member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—and his promotion of the Rainbow Coalition. While Wike insists the initiative is designed to secure President Tinubu's victory, the movement has begun reshaping traditional political alliances, leaving state governors, lawmakers, and grassroots politicians scrambling to realign their strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

With the Progressive Governors Forum taking firm charge of the campaign machinery across their respective states, the battle lines within Nigeria's political arena are becoming increasingly clear.