Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele have welcomed the composition of President Bola Tinubu’s presidential campaign council, describing its inclusion of politicians from different parties as a significant development ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The lawmakers spoke during plenary at the National Assembly in Abuja as the Senate prepared to adjourn ahead of the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, said the coalition reflected an emerging political alliance that could bring together leaders with different political backgrounds and perspectives.
He described the arrangement as a “rainbow coalition”, arguing that cooperation across party lines could promote inclusiveness and strengthen democratic engagement.
“My point, Mr President, is that in this country, in the best interests of the Nigerian people, a rainbow coalition indeed is on the move and very much on course,” Bamidele said.
He highlighted the participation of Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to Bamidele, Soludo and Adeleke have been designated as state coordinators of the campaign, while Wike is expected to coordinate activities in the FCT and Rivers State.
He said the coalition should provide an opportunity for political leaders to focus on ideas and democratic values rather than allow party differences to hinder cooperation.
“We look forward to a campaign that will really celebrate ideas and celebrate our democracy. I really congratulate you, Mr President,” he said.
The Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, who represents Benue South Senatorial District, seconded the motion for adjournment.
In his remarks, Akpabio described the composition of the campaign council as an uncommon development in Nigeria’s democratic experience since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
He said the involvement of politicians from different parties suggested that Tinubu’s re-election campaign would place considerable emphasis on unity and cooperation.
According to the Senate President, the coalition represents an approach to political engagement that goes beyond party affiliation and seeks to accommodate different perspectives in the national interest.
“This is not just an inclusive government in terms of infrastructure, revenue allocation and reforms. It is also an inclusive government in terms of unity of purpose in democracy,” Akpabio said.
He added that the composition of the council indicated that Tinubu intended to pursue a second term with national unity as a central theme.
“What we are going to witness is evidence that his second term is going to be a unity government, just like his campaign council is a unity campaign council made up of almost all the political parties in the country,” he said.
Akpabio congratulated Tinubu, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda and leaders of the political parties represented in the campaign council.
He also welcomed the participation of Soludo, Adeleke and Wike, arguing that political contributions should not be judged solely by party membership.
Speaking about Soludo’s background as a professor and former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Akpabio expressed hope that the Anambra governor would contribute ideas capable of improving the country’s economic and governance outcomes.
“I can imagine how even a professor and former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Soludo, will add his ideas to the next administration so that Nigeria will be better. This is the way Nigeria should be,” he said.
The coalition’s composition highlights the shifting political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, with prominent figures from outside the APC joining efforts to support Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
However, the extent to which the alliance will translate into electoral support across the participating states remains to be seen.