Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the political parties operating under the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State will jointly determine their governorship candidate for the 2027 elections, dismissing claims that any aspirant has already secured the coalition’s backing.
Speaking at a luncheon held for coalition candidates in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike explained that the alliance, which brings together the Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress, Labour Party and Action Alliance, has not yet endorsed a governorship flag-bearer.
According to him, the coalition’s leadership will make that decision collectively at the appropriate time.
“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,” the minister declared.
Wike criticised individuals already celebrating victory or presenting themselves as the coalition’s preferred candidate, saying such actions are misleading and could create unnecessary political complications, especially given his position within the PDP.
He called on aspirants from the four participating parties to remain focused on grassroots engagement and mobilisation, stressing that the coalition would eventually unite behind a single candidate.
He added that all the aspirants within the alliance are capable of leading Rivers State.
The former Rivers State governor also alleged that some activists, analysts, and media organisations have benefited from the state’s recurring political crises, arguing that the Rainbow Coalition was formed to bring lasting stability and end the cycle of conflict.
“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 said.
He further dismissed the growing attention around smaller political parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress, insisting that defections and public excitement alone do not translate into electoral success.
Wike maintained that only the PDP, APC, and Labour Party possess the organisational structure and nationwide reach required to effectively contest and win major elections across the country.
