Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has called on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to clarify his political position amid his involvement with the Rainbow Coalition.
Lawal said Wike should make a clear choice between supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) and backing other political parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
The governor spoke during an interview with Channels Television’s Inside Sources on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Lawal demands clarity from Wike
Lawal questioned how Wike could support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid while also backing candidates from other political parties.
The Zamfara governor said the APC governors had made their position clear and want Wike to state where his political allegiance lies.
“Our message is very very clear, be on one side, you can’t be on two sides,” Lawal said.
He added that anyone supporting the APC should openly back the party rather than support it while also working with other political platforms.
Asked if the governors wanted Wike to join the APC, Lawal responded, “Exactly!”
Governor plans discussion with Tinubu
Lawal also said he intends to raise the issue with President Tinubu when the president returns from his working leave in France.
He said the matter requires a clear understanding of Wike’s political position.
“It’s something I will discuss with the president when he comes back. Let there be a clear line where this guy belongs. It’s either he is in APC or he is out, simple,” Lawal said.
The governor said he would stand with his fellow APC governors on the issue.
Dispute over Rainbow Coalition
The comments come amid disagreement between Wike and some APC governors over the Rainbow Coalition.
The platform has been associated with efforts to support Tinubu’s 2027 presidential bid while also allowing other political parties to field candidates for various elective positions.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and other APC governors have criticised that approach, arguing that Wike should clearly align with the APC if he intends to support the party.
Lawal reiterated that position, saying the governors remained committed to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.