The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has rejected claims by FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, that political parties in Rivers State have formed a “rainbow coalition” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The council described the claim as misleading and unfounded, insisting that no such alliance exists among registered political parties in the state.
IPAC REACTS TO WIKE’S CLAIM
The rebuttal was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by IPAC National Publicity Secretary, Egbeola Martins.
Wike had earlier claimed that politicians across Rivers State were united under what he called the “Renewed Hope Family”, tagged a Rainbow Coalition, to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The minister asserted during a thank-you visit to Andoni Local Government Area, stating that party affiliations no longer mattered in Rivers as stakeholders were allegedly pursuing a common cause.
“WIKE HAS NO MANDATE” — IPAC
Responding, Martins said Wike had no authority to speak on behalf of IPAC or any registered political party in Nigeria.
He stressed that:
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Political parties are independent institutions
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They are governed by constitutions, structures, and internal democratic processes
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No individual, regardless of position, can determine alliances or candidates unilaterally
“Decisions on coalitions, alliances or endorsements can only come from duly constituted party organs,” Martins stated.
CLARIFICATION ON SUPPORT FOR FUBARA
While rejecting Wike’s claim, IPAC acknowledged that some parties are independently considering solidarity support for Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
According to Martins, such support may include:
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Voluntarily not fielding governorship candidates
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Actions aimed at promoting peace, stability, and effective governance in Rivers State
He emphasised that these discussions are internal party decisions, not the result of external pressure or political influence.
IPAC RESTATES ITS POSITION
Martins reaffirmed IPAC’s commitment to:
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Multi-party democracy
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Political pluralism
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Independence of political parties
He warned that no individual would be allowed to hijack collective political decisions for personal or partisan interests.
RIVERS POLITICS AND POWER STRUGGLES
Rivers State remains one of Nigeria’s most politically strategic states, often marked by intense rivalries and shifting alliances. Statements around coalitions and endorsements ahead of 2027 reflect the early positioning and power struggles already shaping the next election cycle.
IPAC’s response signals growing resistance among parties to attempts at centralised political control under broad coalition claims.
