Rainbow Coalition: Uzodimma says no threat in Imo, Anyanwu disagrees

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The political contest ahead of the 2027 general elections in Imo State has taken a fresh turn, with Governor Hope Uzodimma dismissing the Rainbow Coalition as a non-existent political force in the state, while the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu, insists that the alliance is gaining momentum to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The disagreement followed Uzodimma’s expression of confidence in the APC’s electoral prospects, particularly President Bola Tinubu’s chances of securing substantial votes in the state, against Anyanwu’s assertion that the PDP and the Rainbow Coalition are positioning themselves to take over power in 2027.

Speaking at the unveiling of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement in Owerri on Tuesday, Uzodimma dismissed suggestions that the Rainbow Coalition, reportedly associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, could threaten the APC’s political standing in Imo.

“There is no Rainbow Coalition in Imo State,” the governor declared.

He expressed confidence that Tinubu would secure what he described as “organic votes” in the state, suggesting that the President enjoyed sufficient grassroots support to deliver electoral success for the APC.

Anyanwu and Uzodinma

However, Anyanwu strongly disagreed with the governor, insisting that the Rainbow Coalition was not only in existence but was also building a political alliance with the PDP to challenge the APC in the state.

In a statement reacting to Uzodimma’s position, the PDP national secretary declared that the opposition alliance was determined to end the APC’s hold on power in Imo during the 2027 elections.

Wike, leader of Rainbow Coalition and Gov Uzodinma

Under the headline, “Imo 2027: Rainbow Coalition, PDP Will Sack APC”, Anyanwu maintained that the coalition was gaining political traction and would provide a platform for opposition forces to unite against the ruling party.

He argued that the governor’s dismissal of the alliance reflected the APC’s apprehension over the possibility of a united opposition in the state.

“APC in Imo State and its leaders are afraid of PDP and the Rainbow Coalition,” Anyanwu said.

The PDP chieftain also accused the Uzodimma administration of failing to meet the expectations of residents, citing challenges in rural road infrastructure, healthcare delivery, economic development and education.

He particularly drew attention to the prolonged strike by lecturers of Imo State University, Owerri, describing it as an indication of the administration’s alleged failure to address critical issues affecting the education sector.

Anyanwu maintained that these challenges would provide the opposition with issues to present to voters as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

The exchange reflects the emerging political divisions in Imo State, where the APC is projecting confidence in its electoral strength while the PDP and its allies are seeking to consolidate opposition forces under the Rainbow Coalition.

With both sides expressing contrasting positions on the coalition’s relevance and the performance of the incumbent administration, the coming months are expected to bring further political realignments and mobilisation as parties prepare for the 2027 general elections.