Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has defended the Rainbow Coalition against criticism from political opponents, insisting that cooperation among leaders from different parties remains important for the political and developmental interests of Abuja.
Wike made the remarks on Monday, November 2, 2026, during the commissioning of the Gwagwalada Civil Centre and an interactive meeting with political stakeholders from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gwagwalada Area Council.
The minister used the gathering to address concerns surrounding the coalition, which brings together politicians from different political backgrounds. He maintained that party differences should not prevent leaders from working together, particularly when they share common interests and development goals.
His comments come as political activities gradually intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with different political groups exploring alliances and building support for their preferred candidates.
Wike Questions Motives Behind Coalition Criticism
While defending the alliance, Wike criticised politicians who have questioned its existence and political relevance, accusing them of failing to understand the importance of unity and cooperation.
He argued that some of the individuals opposing the arrangement could not maintain unity within their own families and communities, yet continued to challenge efforts by political stakeholders to establish common ground.
According to the minister, the decision by APC and PDP leaders in Gwagwalada to work together demonstrates that collective interests can take priority over individual ambitions and party disagreements.
Wike also challenged critics to explain why politicians who previously operated on opposing sides of the political divide should not be allowed to cooperate when they share similar objectives.
He described the emerging political relationship in Gwagwalada as an opportunity to reduce unnecessary confrontation and encourage a more cooperative approach to leadership.
The minister further urged residents and political stakeholders to consider the importance of effective representation when making electoral decisions, stressing that elected officials should understand the challenges facing the communities they represent.
Minister Endorses Philip Aduda and Tinubu’s 2027 Ambition
Beyond defending the coalition, Wike used the meeting to discuss political representation in the FCT and called on residents to reconsider their choices ahead of the next general elections.
He questioned whether the current representation at the National Assembly adequately reflected the needs of residents across the territory’s six area councils: Gwagwalada, Kuje, Bwari, Kwali, Abaji and the Abuja Municipal Area Council.
The minister argued that elected representatives must remain accessible to their constituents and understand the challenges affecting different communities rather than maintain political positions without regular engagement with the people.
He specifically canvassed support for former FCT Senator Philip Aduda and other candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition, presenting them as political figures whose representation should reflect the interests of residents.
Wike also openly declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, urging members of the coalition to move beyond political endorsements and begin mobilising support at the grassroots level.
He told political stakeholders to organise voters across polling units, districts and communities, emphasising that electoral support must eventually translate into votes.
The minister further stressed that election day should receive serious attention from residents, urging them to prioritise participation rather than engage in ordinary commercial or recreational activities.
APC and PDP Leaders Welcome Political Cooperation
The gathering also attracted comments from political leaders within the FCT, several of whom welcomed the growing cooperation between stakeholders from the two major parties.
FCT APC Chairman Ishaku Tanko Yamawo described the meeting as historic, noting that political leaders who previously operated in different camps were now finding common ground through the coalition.
He credited Wike’s political intervention with encouraging cooperation among stakeholders and reducing tensions within the political environment.
Similarly, FCT PDP Chairman Ismaila Mohammed Dogara commended the minister’s development efforts, particularly the revival of the Gwagwalada Civil Centre, which he said had remained abandoned for 16 years.
Dogara described the cooperation between APC and PDP stakeholders as an important development for the territory, while other community representatives also expressed support for the project and ongoing development efforts.
However, some speakers used the occasion to highlight outstanding infrastructure needs. Gwagwalada Area Council Chairman Kassim Mohammed appealed for intervention on the road connecting the Army checkpoint to the Specialist Hospital, while community representatives requested improvements to healthcare and sports facilities.
The former area council chairman, Zakari Angulu Dobi, also recalled that the Civil Centre had reached about 80 per cent completion before his departure from office, but vandalism during its prolonged abandonment reduced its completion level.
The commissioning therefore provided an opportunity for political leaders to discuss both infrastructure development and cooperation across party lines.
As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, Wike’s defence of the Rainbow Coalition adds to the ongoing discussions about political alliances, party loyalty and electoral mobilisation. Whether the arrangement can maintain wider support across different political interests will remain an important question in the months leading up to the 2027 elections.
