The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has noted with utmost concern the recent claim credited to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, to the effect that all political parties will allegedly align under his leadership in a so-called “rainbow coalition” to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
IPAC categorically states that this assertion is unfounded, misleading and exists only in the imagination of the FCT Minister. At no time has Chief Nyesom Wike been granted the mandate by IPAC or by any registered political party in Nigeria to speak on their behalf or to determine at either the state or national level their political preferences, alliances or choice of candidates for the 2027 elections.
For the avoidance of doubt, political parties in Nigeria are independent institutions governed by their constitutions, structures, organs and internal democratic processes. Decisions relating to coalitions, alliances or endorsements can only emanate from the duly constituted organs of the respective political parties and not from any individual, irrespective of position or influence.
Contrary to the misleading narrative being advanced by the FCT Minister, IPAC is aware that some political parties are independently considering the option of giving unconditional solidarity support to His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Rivers State. This includes the possibility of not fielding governorship candidates as a voluntary sacrifice aimed at restoring peace, stability and effective governance in the state, values currently under strain and of paramount importance to the good people of Rivers State. These considerations are entirely the decisions of the concerned parties and are driven solely by collective solidarity with the aim of promoting lasting peace.
It is therefore disingenuous and misleading for a minister who has consistently shown little regard for the autonomy, relevance and collective interests of political parties to suddenly claim affinity with them or to portray himself as having the capacity to mobilize them for narrow and selfish political ends.
IPAC reiterates its unwavering commitment to multiparty democracy, political pluralism and the independence of political parties. No individual has the right to appropriate or hijack the collective will of political parties for personal political advantage.
The general public is hereby urged to disregard the said claim in its entirety and to rely only on official communications from IPAC and the duly authorized leadership of political parties on matters relating to alliances, coalitions and electoral decisions.
Signed:
Comrade Egbeola Wale Martins
National Publicity Secretary
Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC)
