By Our Correspondent
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports suggesting that the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State has adopted or endorsed any governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Saturday during a luncheon organized for candidates of the coalition in Port Harcourt, Wike clarified that while the political alliance had unanimously resolved to support the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, no decision had been reached regarding the governorship race in the state.
Addressing members of the coalition drawn from different political parties, the former Rivers State governor cautioned aspirants and their supporters against engaging in premature celebrations or projecting themselves as the coalition’s preferred candidate.
According to him, such claims create a misleading impression among the public and could undermine political realities, particularly given his membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“The Rainbow Coalition has not chosen who will be the governor of Rivers State. We have candidates who have emerged under the coalition, but the only decision we have taken is that we are going to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Wike stated.
He explained that the coalition is a broad-based political alliance comprising members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and Action Alliance (AA).
Wike emphasized that strategic decisions concerning the coalition’s future political direction would be taken collectively under the leadership of its chairman. He noted that all candidates fielded by the participating parties remained qualified and acceptable, urging stakeholders to continue grassroots mobilization pending a formal meeting of the coalition.
The FCT Minister also criticized external commentators, activists, and sections of the media whom he accused of benefiting from Rivers State’s political tensions and instability over the years. He said the Rainbow Coalition was established to foster unity and redirect attention toward the development of the state.
“God said no, we must come together as a people, irrespective of our political leanings. What is important is that we must talk about the development of our state and the unity of our people,” he said.
In a veiled attack on emerging political platforms, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Wike argued that political rhetoric and high-profile defections do not necessarily translate into electoral strength.
He maintained that only the PDP, APC, and Labour Party possess the nationwide structure, experience, and organizational capacity required to effectively contest and manage elections across Nigeria.
The Minister reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to unity, political stability, and support for President Tinubu while insisting that discussions on Rivers State’s governorship succession remain open and unresolved.
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