Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed speculation over the emergence of a governorship candidate for Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that the decision will be made collectively by members of the Rainbow Coalition.
Speaking on Saturday during a luncheon organised for coalition candidates in Port Harcourt, Wike said the alliance, which comprises the Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress, Labour Party and Action Alliance, has not endorsed any individual for the governorship race.
According to him, the only position the coalition has unanimously agreed on so far is its support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
“The Rainbow Coalition has not chosen who will be the governor of Rivers State,” Wike said. “The decision will be taken collectively by the coalition when the time comes.”
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The former Rivers governor described the coalition as the dominant political force in the state, urging politicians seeking elective offices to align themselves with the alliance.
“If you want to be governor, senator, House of Representatives member, state assembly member or local government chairman, you must come to the Rainbow Coalition,” he declared.
Wike also cautioned aspirants against celebrating victory prematurely, noting that no candidate has been officially endorsed by the coalition. He urged members of the four participating parties to continue engaging with voters at the grassroots level while awaiting a final decision from the coalition leadership.
The minister said the alliance was formed to promote unity and development in Rivers State, regardless of party affiliation.
“We must come together as a people, irrespective of our political leanings. What is important is the development and unity of Rivers State,” he said.
Wike further criticised smaller political parties, including the African Democratic Congress, arguing that political rhetoric and defections alone cannot replace the structures required to win elections.
According to him, only established parties such as the PDP, APC and Labour Party have demonstrated the organisational strength needed to contest and win elections effectively at both state and national levels.
His remarks come as political activities begin to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties and coalitions positioning themselves for what is expected to be a highly competitive contest in Rivers State and across the country.
