The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports suggesting that he has endorsed any candidate for the 2027 Rivers State governorship election, insisting that the decision on who succeeds Governor Siminalayi Fubara will be made collectively by the emerging Rainbow Coalition.
Wike made the clarification on Saturday during a luncheon held in Port Harcourt for candidates of the coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former Rivers State governor explained that the Rainbow Coalition, which comprises members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), and Action Alliance (AA), has not selected a governorship candidate for the state.
According to him, the coalition’s only agreed position so far is its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
“We have not chosen who will be governor of Rivers State. We already have candidates who emerged under the Rainbow Coalition, but no decision has been taken on the governorship ticket. The only decision reached is that we will support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Wike stated.
He stressed that no aspirant should assume victory before the selection process is concluded, noting that all interested candidates would be given an opportunity to contest and demonstrate their political strength.
Wike also described the coalition as an open political platform for individuals seeking elective positions in Rivers State.
“If you want to be relevant in Rivers politics, come and join the Rainbow Coalition. If you want to be governor, senator, or hold any elective office, you must come here. Without joining the coalition, it will be difficult to achieve those ambitions,” he said.
The minister reiterated that extensive consultations and internal discussions would determine the coalition’s eventual governorship flag bearer.
His remarks come amid growing political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 elections and increasing speculation surrounding prominent governorship aspirants, including Hon. Kingsley Chinda.
Political developments in the state have also been influenced by ongoing legal disputes and recent court rulings affecting the APC’s leadership structure in Rivers State, factors observers believe could significantly shape the race for Government House in 2027.
