Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revealed that the political parties operating under the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State will jointly decide on a single governorship candidate for the 2027 election, dismissing claims that any aspirant has already secured the coalition’s backing.
Wike made this known on Saturday while speaking at a luncheon held for coalition candidates in Port Harcourt. According to him, the alliance, which brings together the Peoples Democratic Party, the All Progressives Congress, the Labour Party and the Action Alliance, has not endorsed any governorship hopeful and will only reach a decision through collective consultation among its leaders.
He stressed that while several candidates have emerged under the various parties within the coalition, no final agreement has been reached on who will fly the coalition’s banner in the governorship race. He added that the only position the coalition has unanimously adopted so far is its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The former Rivers State governor cautioned aspirants against creating the impression that they have already won the coalition’s endorsement. He said such premature claims could mislead supporters and the public while also creating unnecessary political tension.
Wike urged all candidates affiliated with the coalition to remain focused on grassroots engagement and political mobilisation across the state. He maintained that the coalition has capable individuals spread across the participating parties and that every aspirant currently in the arrangement has the potential to lead Rivers State.
Speaking further, the minister accused some individuals and groups of taking advantage of Rivers State’s political disagreements over the years. He alleged that certain activists, analysts and media commentators have benefited from the prolonged tensions in the state and said the Rainbow Coalition was formed to bring lasting unity and stability.
According to him, political differences should not stand in the way of the collective development of Rivers State. He noted that the coalition was built on the belief that stakeholders from different political backgrounds can work together in the interest of peace, progress and the welfare of the people.
Wike also criticised smaller political parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress, arguing that political rhetoric and defections alone are not enough to win elections. He maintained that only major parties with strong structures and nationwide presence possess the organisational capacity required to effectively contest and manage elections across the country.
The minister insisted that the coalition remains committed to strengthening political cooperation in Rivers State and ensuring that decisions regarding the 2027 governorship election are made collectively rather than by any individual or group acting alone.
