Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has stated that the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, which brings together four political parties, will reach a consensus on a single governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections. He also dismissed rumors that he personally plans to secure a ticket.
Wike made this announcement during a luncheon organized for coalition candidates in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, which was broadcast by the Nigerian Television Authority. He explained that the coalition, comprising the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), and Action Alliance (AA), has not yet decided on a flag bearer. The final decision will be made collectively under the coalition's leadership.
“The Rainbow Coalition has not chosen who will be governor of Rivers State. However, party candidates have emerged under the coalition. The only decision we have made so far is to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the minister said.
The former Rivers State governor emphasized that the Rainbow Coalition is now the dominant political force in the state, and anyone seeking elective office must align with it. He stated, “If you want to be important in Rivers State politics, join the Rainbow Coalition. If you want to be governor, come here. If you want to be senator, come here. If you want a House of Reps seat, come here. If you want a state assembly seat, come here. If you want local government, come here. You must come; otherwise, you cannot get it.”
Wike cautioned against premature victory celebrations by some aspirants, warning that such claims create false impressions and undermine the coalition process. He urged all candidates from the four parties to continue grassroots mobilization until the coalition formally agrees on a unified position. He added that every candidate in the alliance is “okay for Rivers State.”
Addressing the longstanding pattern of external exploitation of Rivers State’s political tensions, Wike accused certain human rights activists, commentators, and media organizations of benefiting from the situation. He said the Rainbow Coalition was formed to counter that trend. He also called on the people of Rivers State to unite for the state’s good, regardless of political affiliations.
