Nyesom Wike Said He Is the Leader Of The APC & The Leader Of The PDP In Rivers State - Odinkalu

Nigerian human rights lawyer and professor Chidi Odinkalu has weighed in on the emerging political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly the role of politicians who appear to maintain links with different political parties.

Odinkalu made the remarks during an interview on Channels TV on Friday, August 28, 2026, while discussing the activities of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the emerging “rainbow coalition” among politicians ahead of the 2027 polls.

Speaking about Wike’s political influence in Rivers State, Odinkalu said, “Nyesom Wike said he is the leader of the APC and the leader of the PDP in Rivers State.”

The professor said Wike’s political activities had raised questions about the distinction between formal party membership and political allegiance, particularly given his continued association with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Odinkalu argued that the emerging political arrangements appear to go beyond traditional coalition politics, especially where politicians retain their affiliation with one party while openly supporting the interests of another.

He noted, however, that coalition politics is not new to Nigeria, as political parties have historically formed alliances while retaining their individual identities and structures.

According to Odinkalu, there is a clear distinction between legitimate electoral alliances and situations where politicians operate across party lines primarily for political advantage.

He stressed the importance of political parties maintaining clear identities and principles, arguing that voters should be able to understand what each party represents before casting their ballots.

The professor further warned that the increasing movement of politicians between competing political interests could make it more difficult for Nigerians to distinguish the ideological and policy differences between political parties.

He said the political realignments ahead of 2027 would continue to raise significant questions about party identity, political accountability and the strength of Nigeria’s democratic system.