The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State has rejected the recent position of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum distancing itself from the Rainbow Coalition associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The party called for an immediate retraction of the APC governors’ position and urged them to pursue cooperation with Wike, saying such collaboration would enhance the chances of victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by the Acting Chairman of the Rivers PDP, Hon. John Ndubueze Nwachukwu, alongside the party’s Secretary, Dr. Benibo George, and Publicity Secretary, Dr. Kenneth Yowika, the party described the APC governors’ statement, reportedly read by Imo State Governor and Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, as unsurprising.
The PDP accused the governors of lacking the courage to confront issues affecting their states, saying their position had raised questions about their ability to deliver victory for President Tinubu in 2027.
The party alleged that Wike had become a concern to some governors who were facing difficulties with re-election or succession plans, urging them instead to focus on winning the confidence of their citizens.
According to the Rivers PDP, Wike played a significant role in supporting Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election, at a time when, it claimed, some of the current APC governors were struggling politically in their respective states.
The party declared its support for the Rainbow Coalition, describing it as a “well-thought-out and orchestrated” political arrangement that would work towards securing victory for its candidates and President Tinubu in 2027.
The Rivers PDP urged APC governors to concentrate on delivering democratic dividends to their constituents, particularly in view of increased federal allocations to states through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
Rather than antagonising the FCT Minister, the party said the governors should focus on addressing challenges in their respective states and improving their acceptance among the people.
The PDP also warned that it would oppose any governor, group or individual who attacks the Rainbow Coalition or Wike, whom the party described as its national leader and a key figure in the coalition.
The party assured its members that it remained committed to working with members of the Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, including efforts aimed at supporting President Tinubu’s re-election.
It also called on APC governors to stop attributing their political shortcomings or lack of acceptance among their constituents to Wike.
The Rivers PDP further appealed to President Tinubu to intervene in what it described as a divisive move by the APC governors, arguing that such actions could create disagreements among members of the Rainbow Coalition.
The party maintained that its objective was to secure electoral victory without violence, rigging or killings, urging political actors to concentrate on winning voters rather than attacking political opponents.
