Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has dismissed claims by FCT Minister, Mr
Nyesom Wike, that political parties in Rivers will unite under a rainbow coalition
for the 2027 general elections.
The IPAC National Publicity Secretary, Mr Egbeola Martins, stated this in a
statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.
Recall that Wike had, on Friday, said that politicians in Rivers were united under
the Renewed Hope Family, tagged: “Rainbow Coalition” to ensure the re-election
of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027.
Wike made the declaration during a ‘thank you’ visit to Andoni Local Government
Area of the state.
The minister stated that there was no party allegiance in the state, stressing that
what Rivers had was a ‘rainbow coalition’ under the Renewed Hope Family, in
pursuit of a common cause and interest.
In his reaction, however, Martins dismissed the claim, describing it as misleading
and unfounded.
He said that the minister lacked any mandate from the council or registered parties
to speak for them or determine alliances, preferences or candidates for elections
nationally.
Martins described Nigerian political parties as independent institutions governed
by constitutions, structures, organs and internal democratic processes.
“They are beyond individual control or personal influence,” he said.
According to him, decisions on coalitions, alliances or endorsements can only arise
from duly constituted party organs, not from any individual, regardless of his/her
position.
He, however, reaffirmed IPAC’s commitment to multi-party democracy, political
pluralism and independence of parties, insisting that no individual would hijack
collective decisions for personal or partisan advantage.
