The launch of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign comes amid growing questions about party unity and the role of cross-party alliances in securing votes across Nigeria.
Although the APC has prepared for Saturday’s campaign flag-off in Kaduna, political developments in Osun, the Federal Capital Territory and other states have exposed competing interests within the broader pro-Tinubu camp.
At the centre of the debate is the Rainbow Coalition associated with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. The alliance brings together politicians from different parties to support Tinubu’s re-election, but its scope has raised concerns among some APC stakeholders about divided loyalties and competing political ambitions.
Osun Coalition Exposes APC Divisions
The coalition’s political implications became clearer in Osun State, where Governor Ademola Adeleke inaugurated a presidential campaign council featuring members of the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord Party.
Adeleke, appointed the state coordinator for Tinubu’s re-election campaign, said the alliance aimed to secure more than the 1.5 million votes previously promised to the president.
He stressed that the partnership would apply only to the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027. Members would remain free to support their respective parties’ candidates in legislative elections.
However, the inauguration exposed tensions within the APC. The state chapter had complained that it was not informed about the event, although it said it did not oppose Adeleke’s appointment.
Several prominent party figures attended the ceremony, including APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru and former national chairman Bisi Akande. But former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, the party’s 2026 governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji and some executives aligned with Oyetola were absent.
Basiru urged party members to put personal ambitions aside and support Adeleke’s role in the presidential campaign. He said Tinubu had the authority to appoint his preferred coordinator.
Wike Pushes Rainbow Coalition Candidates
Wike has also called on residents of the FCT to support candidates backed by the Rainbow Coalition, arguing that political parties should serve as vehicles for development rather than become obstacles to good governance.
Speaking at a coalition meeting in Bwari Area Council, the minister endorsed APC senatorial candidate Philip Aduda and other candidates under the arrangement.
He urged voters to assess politicians by their accessibility and their efforts to address community needs. Wike also criticised FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe, claiming residents had not felt the impact of her representation.
The alliance has, however, faced resistance from within the APC. In September, the Progressive Governors Forum warned against political arrangements that could create confusion, divided loyalty or competing interests ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, has defended support for Tinubu from politicians outside the APC, arguing that such backing does not amount to anti-party activity.
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Kaduna Prepares for Campaign Launch
The debate over the 2027 re-election effort comes as Kaduna prepares to host the APC’s presidential campaign flag-off on Saturday.
Security arrangements have intensified across the metropolis. The police have also restricted heavy-duty vehicles from moving around the city during the period to ease congestion and support the movement of the president and other dignitaries.
Meanwhile, the Forum of CEOs of Federal Government Parastatals (FORCEPA) says it has mobilised more than 100,000 supporters for the rally. The group also pledged to help secure 10 million votes for Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
FORCEPA chairman Kazeem Kolawole Raji defended the administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy. He described the measures as difficult but necessary, while acknowledging that households and businesses continue to face hardship.
He said the reforms would ultimately need to deliver jobs, higher incomes and improved living standards to justify public support.
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Tinubu Supporters Report Vandalism in Oyo
Political tensions have also surfaced in Oyo State, where the Bola Ahmed Tinubu–Kehinde Olaosebikan Grassroots Movement alleged that attackers vandalised its secretariat in Oluyole Local Government Area.
The group said the assailants damaged campaign materials and shattered windows at its office in the CICU Building along Olomi-Olojuoro Road.
Its publicity secretary, Femi Omolola, alleged that suspected agents of the Allied Peoples’ Movement were responsible but did not provide evidence to substantiate the claim.
Omolola said the incident would not weaken the group’s efforts to mobilise support for Tinubu.
Obasanjo’s Son Joins Tinubu Advocacy Group
In another development, Olujonwo Obasanjo, son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has joined the Tinubu Movement for Sustainable Governance Foundation, also known as Tinubu Must Stay.
The organisation promotes policy continuity and public awareness of the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Olujonwo said his political experience and understanding of Nigeria’s reform history influenced his decision. He also stated that he had belonged to the APC since its formation in 2014.
He argued that the administration needed to explain its policies more effectively to Nigerians to reduce misinformation and misunderstandings.
As the campaign begins, the alliance-building efforts may help Tinubu broaden his support beyond the APC. However, the competing interests and internal disagreements highlighted across several states could test the unity of the president’s political camp ahead of the 2027 vote.