Political scientist and public affairs analyst, Prof. Odion Akhaine, has advised President Bola Tinubu to carefully manage his relationship with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike amid growing tensions within the APC over the proposed Rainbow Coalition.
Akhaine, in an interview with Vanguard, said Wike’s involvement in the affairs of opposition parties and the APC could create friction with APC governors, who control the party structures in their respective states.
He acknowledged Wike’s support for a Southern presidency during the 2023 political process, saying the former Rivers State governor played a role in backing the emergence of a Southern candidate.
However, Akhaine argued that Wike should focus on supporting Tinubu’s 2027 ambition from his political base in Rivers State rather than attempting to influence the internal affairs of the APC.
According to him, APC governors are unlikely to accept what they may perceive as external interference in the party’s affairs because of their control over party structures and electoral processes at the state level.
Akhaine said the Rainbow Coalition could become a source of tension if it attempts to influence the ruling party’s internal politics.
He also criticised the nature of Nigerian political parties, arguing that many politicians treat parties as “special-purpose vehicles” for gaining political power rather than organisations built around clear ideologies and programmes.
The political scientist said selfish political interests often lead politicians to weaken or abandon their parties and establish new platforms whenever it suits their ambitions.
On resolving the challenges, Akhaine called for stronger political organisations with clear ideological programmes and urged Nigerian politicians to learn from established parties such as South Africa’s African National Congress.
He also advocated stronger institutions, judicial independence and regulations capable of discouraging politicians from frequently defecting between political parties.
Speaking on past political alliances, Akhaine referenced the role of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Bola Ige, in the Obasanjo administration, arguing that the move was part of broader political calculations that eventually weakened the Alliance for Democracy.
He said political alliances should be based on shared programmes and public interest rather than personal ambitions.
Akhaine further expressed concern over what he described as declining democratic standards in Nigeria, particularly alleged attempts by political leaders to influence the voting decisions of their supporters.
He said the quality of Nigerian democracy had deteriorated significantly and warned that intimidation, inflammatory rhetoric and political pressure could undermine free and fair elections.
Akhaine called for stronger institutions and a political system capable of protecting citizens’ right to freely choose their leaders.
Nyesom Wike, meanwhile, has maintained that his political activities and support for Tinubu are aimed at strengthening the President’s chances in 2027, including through the proposed Rainbow Coalition.
