Sule Says He’s Relieved to Be Off the Wike Rainbow Coalition List – 2026 Insight

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State publicly thanked God for his exclusion from Minister Nyesom Wike’s Wike rainbow coalition list, a move that has sparked fresh debate about unity and rivalry within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the 2027 presidential race looms. In a statement released on September 23, 2026, Sule said, “I feel relieved I’m not on Wike’s list of APC governors fighting the rainbow coalition,” underscoring the delicate balance of power among Nigeria’s top leaders.

Background: The rise of the Wike rainbow coalition concept

The term “rainbow coalition” was first coined in Nigerian politics during the 2023 elections when a group of opposition parties briefly united under a common banner. Fast‑forward to 2026, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, a prominent figure in the APC and former governor of Rivers State, revived the phrase to describe a bloc of governors he believes are undermining party cohesion. Wike’s list, circulated among party insiders, names several governors he accuses of aligning with opposition forces or acting independently of the central APC agenda.

While the list has not been officially endorsed by the APC’s national secretariat, it has ignited a series of public statements, social media sparring, and behind‑the‑scenes negotiations. For many observers, the list serves as a barometer of intra‑party friction, especially as the party prepares for its 2027 primary contests.

Why Sule’s relief matters for Nasarawa and the APC

Abdullahi Sule, a former CEO of Dangote Sugar Refinery, won the Nasarawa governorship in 2023 on an APC ticket and has since been praised for his focus on agricultural development and infrastructure. His exclusion from Wike’s list signals a potential alignment with the party’s central leadership, particularly President Bola Tinubu’s inner circle, which has been keen to present a united front ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political analysts note that Sule’s relief is not merely personal; it reflects a broader strategic calculation. By staying off the list, Sule avoids being cast as a rebel governor, preserving his access to federal projects and funding streams that are crucial for Nasarawa’s development agenda. Moreover, his stance may encourage other governors who feel uneasy about Wike’s accusations to distance themselves from the coalition narrative.

The dynamics of the APC’s internal power struggle

Since the 2023 general elections, the APC has grappled with competing factions: the Tinubu‑aligned “core” group, the Wike‑led “reformist” bloc, and a third set of governors who position themselves as independent power brokers. The “core” group emphasizes continuity of the Tinubu administration’s policies, while the “reformist” bloc argues for a recalibration of the party’s direction, citing concerns over corruption and internal democracy.

Wike’s public naming of governors has been interpreted as an attempt to force a realignment, compelling those not on his list to publicly affirm loyalty to the party’s central command. In this context, Sule’s public relief can be read as a tacit endorsement of the Tinubu‑aligned camp, reinforcing the perception that the “core” faction remains dominant.

Implications for the 2027 presidential primaries

The upcoming 2027 presidential primaries are expected to be fiercely contested, with several heavyweight APC figures eyeing the nomination. Governor Sule’s positioning may influence the calculus of potential presidential aspirants, especially those seeking endorsements from key governors in the North‑Central zone.

Political insiders suggest that Sule’s relief could translate into a more active role in the party’s primary negotiations, possibly securing a vice‑presidential slot or a strategic ministerial appointment for Nasarawa. Additionally, his stance may encourage other North‑Central governors to rally around a single candidate, thereby shaping the regional balance of power within the APC.

Public reaction and media commentary

Social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook lit up with reactions to Sule’s statement. Many Nasarawa residents expressed pride, noting that the governor’s relief reflects his commitment to the state’s development rather than partisan battles. Others, however, cautioned that the “rainbow coalition” rhetoric could deepen divisions if not managed carefully.

Local newspapers, including Naija News, highlighted the broader significance of the episode, pointing out that the APC’s internal cohesion is critical for maintaining stability in Nigeria’s volatile political environment. Commentators also warned that continued public spats could embolden opposition parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has been gaining ground in several southwestern states.

What the future holds for the ‘rainbow coalition’ narrative

Looking ahead to 2027, the “rainbow coalition” label may evolve from a tool of intra‑party criticism to a genuine political force if enough governors coalesce around a shared platform. For now, the list remains a litmus test for loyalty, and governors like Sule who are not named are likely to enjoy a strategic advantage.

Experts advise that the APC’s leadership should focus on dialogue rather than public naming, fostering an environment where dissenting voices can be heard without resorting to intimidation. Such an approach could mitigate the risk of splinter groups forming a formal opposition bloc, which would complicate the party’s electoral prospects.

FAQ

• What is the ‘Wike rainbow coalition’? It is a term used by Minister Nyesom Wike to describe a perceived group of APC governors he believes are acting against the party’s central agenda.
• Why did Governor Sule say he feels relieved? Sule’s relief stems from not being named on Wike’s list, which he views as a safeguard against intra‑party accusations and a way to maintain his development projects.
• How might this affect the 2027 elections? Governors not on the list may align more closely with the party’s core leadership, influencing endorsements and potentially shaping the presidential primary outcomes.

For more details, see the original report on Naija News.

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