The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has rejected claims made by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike that political parties in Rivers State are collaborating under a “rainbow coalition” to back President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027.
In a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, IPAC National Publicity Secretary Egbeola Martins described Wike’s statement as unfounded and misleading.
Wike had claimed during a visit to Andoni Local Government Area that political actors in Rivers had set aside party loyalties to form the Renewed Hope Family, or “Rainbow Coalition,” united by a common objective.
Martins countered that no individual, including the minister, has the authority to speak for political parties or dictate alliances and candidate endorsements. He reiterated that parties operate independently under their constitutions, structures, and internal democratic rules.
According to Martins, decisions on coalitions or joint support can only be made through official party organs. He acknowledged that some parties might voluntarily choose to support Governor Siminalayi Fubara to promote stability and effective governance in Rivers, including opting not to field candidates in the gubernatorial election.
He emphasised that such decisions are internally driven and based on collective solidarity rather than external influence or personal interests. IPAC remains committed to preserving political pluralism and the autonomy of parties, ensuring that no individual hijacks institutional processes for partisan advantage.
