The Senate has welcomed the inclusion of politicians from different parties in President Bola Tinubu’s presidential campaign council, describing the move as a step towards political unity ahead of the 2027 general election.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the development was historic, noting that no sitting president had constituted a presidential campaign council involving members of other political parties since 1999.
Speaking during plenary on Wednesday, Akpabio praised the leaders who had agreed to work with Tinubu’s campaign, expressing hope that the alliance would contribute to national development.
“Let me note that this is historic since 1999, that a sitting president would constitute a presidential campaign council with other parties included,” he said.
Akpabio added that the arrangement demonstrated “an inclusive government in terms of unity of purpose”, saying Nigeria was setting an example for other African countries.
He, however, declined to predict the outcome of the election, while expressing confidence in the political significance of the alliance.
Earlier, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele described the emergence of the Wike-led Rainbow Coalition as a move towards a more inclusive political campaign.
Bamidele said the coalition offered hope that the campaign would be driven by ideas and democratic principles as political leaders prepared for the inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council.
He also welcomed the decision to appoint former Gombe State governor and senator, Ibrahim Dankwambo, to coordinate the Rainbow Coalition in Gombe State.
The coalition brings together political figures from different parties in support of Tinubu’s re-election bid, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike and governors of Osun and Anambra states.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro did not comment on the coalition during the session but seconded the motion for adjournment.
Akpabio interpreted Moro’s action as an indication that he had adopted the speeches made before the motion was moved.
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