The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports suggesting that the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State has settled for a governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election, insisting that no such decision has been taken.
Speaking at a luncheon organised for candidates of the coalition in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike said the alliance had only agreed to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election, adding that discussions on who would fly its flag in the Rivers governorship race were yet to commence.
According to him, while candidates have emerged under the various political parties participating in the coalition, the alliance has not endorsed any individual for the state’s top seat.
“The Rainbow Coalition has not chosen who will become the governor of Rivers State. The only position we have collectively taken is our support for President Tinubu,” Wike said.
The former Rivers governor cautioned aspirants and their supporters against making premature claims of endorsement, warning that such actions could create a false impression about the coalition’s position and his role as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.
He explained that the coalition comprises members drawn from the All Progressives Congress, the PDP, the Labour Party and the Action Alliance.
Wike noted that all candidates produced by the participating parties remain eligible for consideration, stressing that the coalition’s leadership would collectively determine its eventual stance ahead of the governorship election.
He urged members across the various political blocs to sustain grassroots mobilisation efforts while awaiting a formal decision from the coalition.
The minister also criticised what he described as years of negative narratives surrounding Rivers politics, alleging that some activists, commentators and media organisations had profited from the state’s political tensions.
According to him, the Rainbow Coalition was established to promote unity, peace and development in Rivers State irrespective of political affiliation.
“We must come together as a people. What should matter is the development and unity of Rivers State, not political differences,” he said.
Wike also took a swipe at smaller political parties, including the African Democratic Congress, arguing that defections and political rhetoric alone do not guarantee electoral success.
He maintained that only the APC, PDP and Labour Party have demonstrated the organisational structure and experience required to effectively contest elections on a national scale.
