Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has weighed in on the ongoing dispute between the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over the Rainbow Coalition’s activities.
APC governors recently rejected the coalition, founded by Wike, accusing it of fielding alternative candidates in several states, a move they say threatens APC flag bearers and President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Wike, however, defended the coalition, insisting it fully supports Tinubu’s candidacy while accusing some governors of failing to mobilize for him during the 2023 elections.
Reacting in a video posted on his official Facebook page, Kalu sided with the governors, stressing that no leader would tolerate rival candidates being sponsored in their state.
“Some governors have a very good case. I cannot be a governor and you are sponsoring an alternative candidate in my state. I will not allow that to happen,” Kalu said.
He nonetheless appealed for reconciliation, urging both sides to “pull back their swords” and focus on grassroots campaigning for Tinubu’s re-election.“We need the governors’ forum very well and we also need Minister Wike very well.
Both parties should unite at this time,” he added.As of press time, tensions remain unresolved, with APC governors and Wike holding firm to their positions.