The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports that the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State has already picked a candidate for the 2027 governorship election, stressing that no formal decision has been made. Speaking at a luncheon for coalition candidates in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike clarified that the alliance’s only current commitment is to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He emphasized that while party candidates have emerged under the coalition, the final choice for governor remains undecided and will be made collectively by coalition leadership.
Wike warned aspirants and their supporters against premature celebrations, cautioning that such actions could mislead the public and distort the coalition’s actual position. He reiterated that the Rainbow Coalition is a broad-based political platform comprising members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and Action Alliance. All candidates from these parties remain eligible for consideration, and the coalition will make a unified decision before the election.
The FCT Minister urged all political groups within the coalition to intensify grassroots mobilization and remain focused on building unity and development in Rivers State. He criticized years of negative media coverage and political instability in the state, accusing some activists, commentators, and media organizations of profiting from the chaos. According to Wike, the Rainbow Coalition was formed to transcend political divisions and prioritize the state’s progress.
“God said no, we must come together as a people, irrespective of our political leanings,” Wike said. “What is important is that we must talk about the development of our state. We must talk about the unity of our state.” He further criticized smaller political parties, including the African Democratic Congress, arguing that political rhetoric and defections alone do not guarantee electoral success. Wike maintained that only the APC, PDP, and Labour Party have the organizational strength and experience needed to compete effectively in national elections.
As Rivers State prepares for the 2027 governorship race, the Rainbow Coalition’s leadership will continue to deliberate on its candidate selection. The coalition’s focus remains on fostering unity and development, with Wike urging all stakeholders to avoid divisive tactics and work toward a common goal. The coming months will be critical in shaping the political landscape of Rivers State as the coalition moves closer to making its final decision.
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