APC Chairman Yilwatda Draws Firm Line: Party Will Back Only APC Candidates Against Rainbow Coalition
Abuja, Nigeria—October 11, 2026—In a clear and uncompromising stance, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda has declared that the ruling party will support only its own candidates from the presidency down to the grassroots, while urging APC governors to do the same amid growing controversy over the Rainbow Coalition.
Speaking during a one-on-one interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Yilwatda addressed the political platform promoted by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.
The Rainbow Coalition is framed by its backers as a multi-party vehicle to mobilize support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid while allowing participants to retain their original party affiliations and back candidates of their choice in governorship and legislative races.
“As the Party Chairman, we support our candidates as APC from top to bottom. I will not support anybody outside my party. We encourage the governors who are members of our party not to support anybody apart from APC,” Yilwatda stated firmly.
He emphasized that while the party is not opposed to individuals or groups voting for President Tinubu, the institutional position of the APC remains exclusive loyalty to its candidates across all levels of the ballot.
Yilwatda distinguished between personal or cross-party support for the President and any arrangement that could weaken the party’s own candidates in state and legislative contests.
Context of the Rainbow Coalition Friction
The Rainbow Coalition has triggered significant pushback from several APC governors and the Progressive Governors’ Forum.
Governors have publicly resolved not to participate in or endorse any alliance they believe could undermine President Tinubu’s re-election or adversely affect APC candidates at any level.
Wike has repeatedly maintained that the coalition is separate from the APC structure and exists solely to broaden support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition, drawing parallels to the G5 governors’ support for Tinubu in 2023 while remaining in the PDP.
Critics within the APC, however, worry that the platform could create parallel structures capable of influencing governorship and National Assembly races to the ruling party’s detriment.
Yilwatda’s latest comments align with earlier expressions of concern from the party leadership about managing differences through dialogue while prioritizing unity and the broader goal of success in 2027.
He has previously described such disagreements as political perspectives that can be managed without escalating into crisis.
Broader Implications Ahead of 2027
The exchange underscores the delicate balancing act within the ruling party as it consolidates power and prepares for the next general elections. With the APC controlling a majority of states, party leaders are keen to avoid internal fractures that could dilute its electoral strength.
Yilwatda’s message is clear: party structures and elected officials under the APC banner are expected to prioritize the party’s candidates exclusively.
Whether this stance helps resolve tensions with the Rainbow Coalition or further hardens positions remains a key political storyline as 2027 approaches.
Political observers note that the coming months will test the ability of APC leadership to maintain cohesion while navigating complex cross-party dynamics surrounding President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
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