Rainbow coalition: APC leaders petition NWC, demand sanction of ex-Benue chair - Punch Newspapers

A group of All Progressives Congress chieftains has petitioned the party’s National Working Committee, seeking sanctions against former Benue State Chairman, Austin Agada, over his alleged involvement in the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory’s 2027 Strategic Alliance, also known as the Rainbow Coalition, in the state. In the petition dated October 2, 2026, and signed by the group’s National Organising Secretary, Alhaji Sa’idu Muhammad, made available to journalists on Sunday, the group accused Agada of publicly endorsing candidates of other political parties, including PDP Senator Abba Moro, in areas where the APC has nominated candidates. The group also alleged that Agada had publicly stated that he would not campaign for the APC governorship candidate in Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and accused him of involvement in the Strategic Alliance for Tinubu 2027, described as the “Rainbow Coalition” in the state. The group urged the NWC to set up an investigative panel to probe the allegations against Agada, invite him to defend himself and, if found culpable, refer the matter to a disciplinary committee for appropriate sanctions. It also called for the outcome of the investigation and any sanctions imposed to be made public to deter other members from engaging in similar conduct. According to the group, Agada, who leads a faction of the APC in Benue State loyal to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, publicly endorsed PDP Senator Abba Moro for the 2027 senatorial election. It alleged that Agada displayed banners bearing the names and images of APC presidential candidate, President Bola Tinubu, and Moro of the PDP. The petition stated that, “On the 28th September 2026, Agada also granted an interview on TVC PoliticsTonight, in which he stated very clearly that he has no reason to campaign for the APC gubernatorial candidate in Benue and, as such, he would not campaign for the re-election of the APC candidate for Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, in the 2027 governorship election. “Agada’s position is contrary to the position of the Governors elected on the platform of the APC, which was communicated through the Progressive Governors’ Forum and also endorsed by the 36 state chapters of the party and the FCT through the state chairmen of the party. “The interview, as confirmed from the recordings of the programme, we believe his position raises serious questions of party loyalty and compliance with the obligations expected of a senior member of the APC as stated in the party’s constitution.”See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google The APC group also accused Agada of being involved in the Rainbow Coalition, alleging that his activities were contrary to the interests of the party. It further stated that the APC, with over 12 million members, remained ahead of other political parties and was fully prepared for the 2027 general elections. It stated, “We are further concerned about Agada’s reported activities within a group known as the Strategic Alliance for Tinubu 2027, (the Rainbow Coalition in Benue), which is in bed with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Social Democratic Party, the Labour Party, and the Nigerian Democratic Congress, particularly where such activities are being conducted in a manner that opposes or undermines the APC’s officially recognised political structure and its governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates in Benue State. “We firmly acknowledge that supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 presidential re-election is consistent with the APC’s national interest; however, support for the President should not be used as a basis for campaigning against other candidates of the APC where the party has established candidates and recognised campaign structures. “The central issue before the party is therefore not whether Austin Agada supports President Tinubu, but whether his activities amount to conduct that undermines the APC, its candidates, its structures or its electoral interests in Benue State, or whether they violate the relevant section of the APC Constitution.” The group urged the National Working Committee to examine the relevant provisions of Article 21 of the APC Constitution and determine whether the activities attributed to Agada constituted anti-party conduct punishable under the party’s constitution. APC slams Amaechi over claim he couldn’t afford mother’s drugs 2027: God, voters determine political power, Edo monarch tells APC candidate Ogun APC committee chair knocks Atiku over call for subsidy return It said the petition was motivated by its commitment to party supremacy, discipline and unity, as well as the collective interest of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections. It stated, “We therefore submit that, with the allegations against Austin Agada established by the clear evidence attached, the appropriate sanctions provided under the Constitution should be applied immediately to serve as a deterrent to others who are planning to engage in anti-party activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. “We consider this matter particularly serious because Austin Agada is not an ordinary member of the APC without the requisite knowledge of the party’s constitution, structures and obligations. “As a former Chairman of the APC in Benue State, he understands the importance of party supremacy, discipline, loyalty and respect for constituted party organs. “His previous leadership position makes his public opposition to the party’s Governorship, Senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly candidates a matter requiring the attention of the national leadership.” The petition said the APC in Benue State could not afford a situation where senior party members openly campaigned for candidates of other political parties against the interests of the APC. The group said the APC national leadership had repeatedly stressed the need for unity ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that recent concerns over divisions within the Benue chapter had raised questions about the party’s cohesion. It urged the National Working Committee to act in accordance with the party’s constitution to prevent indiscipline from becoming entrenched, stressing that the NWC had the authority to discipline erring members. The group added that its members across the country, particularly in Benue State, had consistently complained about Agada’s alleged open endorsement of candidates of other political parties in constituencies where the APC had validly nominated its own candidates. It continued, “The APC is bigger than any individual, group or political interest. Its strength depends upon discipline, loyalty, internal democracy, party supremacy and respect for the decisions of its recognised organs. “We therefore respectfully request the National Working Committee to cause this petition to be investigated and, where the allegations are proven, ensure that the appropriate disciplinary measures are applied in accordance with the Constitution. “This, in our considered view, will reinforce the principle that no member, irrespective of his previous position or present appointment, is above the Constitution of the All Progressives Congress, APC.” Efforts by our correspondent to obtain Agada’s reaction were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls. The FCT Minister and Peoples Democratic Party leader in the APC-led Federal Government, Nyesom Wike, has continued to promote the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State and other parts of the country in support of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma-led Progressive Governors’ Forum, dismissed the Rainbow Coalition and maintained that APC governors would campaign for the party’s candidates at all levels ahead of the 2027 elections. Wike, however, said his support for President Tinubu did not prevent him from backing candidates of his choice in other elections. Abdulrahman Zakariyau Abdulrahman is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with nearly a decade of professional experience covering political parties, elections, religion, civil society organizations, and the Nigeria Governors Forum. He is also a development and strategic communication expert, skilled at analyzing complex issues and delivering impactful narratives. Abdulrahman’s reporting reflects extensive newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a strong commitment to informative and insightful journalism.

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