Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed speculations that the emerging “Rainbow Coalition” in Rivers State has already adopted a governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that the race remains open to aspirants across the participating political parties.
Wike made the clarification on Saturday while addressing candidates and stakeholders at a high-profile luncheon organised by the coalition in Port Harcourt.
The former Rivers State governor said the coalition had only reached a consensus on supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu, stressing that no decision had been taken regarding who would fly the coalition’s governorship banner in 2027.
According to him, reports suggesting that any aspirant has already secured the backing of the coalition are misleading and capable of creating unnecessary political tension.
“The Rainbow Coalition, we have not chosen who will be the governor of Rivers State. But we have party candidates who have emerged under the Rainbow Coalition.
“The only decision we have taken is that we are going to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Wike declared.
He cautioned candidates against premature celebrations, noting that such actions could create false impressions and undermine the collective spirit of the coalition.
The FCT Minister explained that the coalition is a broad political alliance comprising members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and Action Alliance (AA), adding that all major decisions would be taken collectively under the leadership of the coalition’s chairman.
Wike described all candidates who emerged from the participating parties as credible contenders, urging them to continue grassroots mobilisation while awaiting the coalition’s final position.
He said the alliance remains committed to ensuring that Rivers State benefits from a united political front focused on development and stability rather than partisan divisions.
“All political blocs should continue their preparations. What is important is that we work together in the interest of Rivers State,” he said.
The minister also launched a strong criticism of individuals and groups he accused of profiting from political instability in the state, including some commentators, activists and media organisations.
According to him, the Rainbow Coalition was conceived to change the narrative and foster greater unity among political stakeholders in Rivers 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. We must talk about the unity of our state,” Wike stated.
Taking a swipe at smaller political parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the former governor argued that political rhetoric and defections alone do not translate into electoral strength.
He maintained that only a few parties have demonstrated the organisational capacity required to successfully prosecute elections across the country.
According to Wike, the PDP, APC and Labour Party remain the most experienced political platforms in terms of conducting and managing nationwide electoral contests.
His remarks come amid growing political realignments in Rivers State as parties and interest groups begin positioning ahead of the 2027 governorship election, widely expected to be one of the most closely watched political contests in the country.
