Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has challenged governors opposed to the Rainbow Coalition to explain their reservations, insisting that the political alliance is not designed to threaten their interests.
Wike said the coalition was aimed at bringing political supporters together to strengthen electoral support rather than undermine individual political interests at state and local levels.
Speaking during his media parley on Thursday, Wike questioned why some governors were uncomfortable with the arrangement, particularly as its objective was to combine political support for candidates.
“I want to know the reason why you are afraid of the Rainbow Coalition. What is the problem?” he asked.
Explaining how the arrangement works, the minister said political allies could support one another without necessarily abandoning their individual political interests or campaign strategies.
“Let us say, for example. She is supporting you. Right? You say, I will support you too.
“I will tell my people to vote for you. Right? I will tell my own people, my supporters, to vote for you. They will vote for you.
“In essence, we are combining the votes together as regards to you,” Wike said.
He argued that members of the coalition could maintain their individual political positions while cooperating to secure electoral victories for candidates they collectively support.
“When you are campaigning, I want you to say, look, I will vote for you from up to down.
“You have your own way of campaigning. Don’t assume you are not campaigning.
“Let me tell you, I will vote for you. However, as regards this and this and that, we will not go there. Make sure you get the same,” he added.
Wike also questioned why opposition to the coalition appeared to be coming particularly from some state governors, arguing that political disagreements should not prevent people from supporting the President.
“The President is my friend. He doesn’t choose my friends. I owe him an apology,” he said.
He further dismissed suggestions that his political relationships should be determined by disagreements involving other politicians and their allies.
“So, will you k*ll me? Because my son is fighting with you, or having an issue with you in your state. He can’t do that,” Wike said.
The minister maintained that the coalition was not a new political arrangement, revealing that discussions and activities surrounding it had started more than two years ago.
“We didn’t start today. More than two years ago, we started this journey.
“You are just seeing us now. When we are going fully.” he said.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Follow us on:
