…says “rainbow coalition” will guide 2027 political alignment
By Clement John
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday distanced himself from the controversy surrounding the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening of aspirants in Rivers State, insisting that as a non-member of the party, he has no business commenting on its internal processes.
Speaking to journalists during an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike said the outcome of the screening conducted by the All Progressives Congress was not within his jurisdiction and therefore did not require his input.
“I am not a member of the APC, so I don’t know what is happening in their screening. Even if they publish the results, why should I comment? I don’t know their reasons,” he said.
In a characteristic remark, the minister added: “What concerns me is what I will talk about. I’m not a native doctor, neither am I a prophet.”
On emerging political realignments in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections, Wike said his political structure—described as a “rainbow coalition”—would focus on strategic electoral strength rather than rigid party affiliations.
“That is the essence of the rainbow coalition in Rivers State. We will look at where we have strength, compare notes and vote accordingly,” he said.
Wike’s comments come amid renewed political tensions in Rivers State involving his loyalists and supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
During the Abuja project inspection, the minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of several infrastructure projects, noting that many were nearing completion ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
He said contractors had assured the FCT Administration that pending works, including streetlights, would be completed before the end of May.
According to him, the Dutse-Alhaji to M5 road and other major road projects executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation were either completed or in their final stages, pending minor installations.
“The road is already completed and the contractor has promised to finish the streetlights within 10 days. We are very comfortable and happy,” he said.
Wike also highlighted progress on a major bridge project in the capital, noting that traffic connections to Kubwa were already taking shape.
He added that several of the projects would be commissioned as part of activities marking President Tinubu’s third year in office, describing the works as evidence of “quality delivery by competent contractors.”
On complaints of alleged harassment during tax enforcement by Abuja Municipal Area Council officials, Wike said no formal petition had been received by the FCT Administration, while stressing the importance of orderly tax collection.
“There must be a civilised way of collecting taxes. But people don’t like to pay tax; they always find excuses,” he said.
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