Federal Capital Territory Minister and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has declared that no individual has been chosen as the governorship candidate of the Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that the decision will be made collectively by the alliance.
Speaking during a luncheon organised for coalition candidates in Port Harcourt, Wike dismissed growing speculation that a preferred candidate had already emerged, stressing that the coalition’s leadership would determine who eventually flies its flag.
The Rainbow Coalition is made up of four political parties — the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP) and Action Alliance (AA).
According to Wike, while candidates have emerged under the individual parties, the coalition has not agreed on a single governorship candidate for Rivers State.
“We have not chosen who will be governor of Rivers State. That decision will be taken collectively by the Rainbow Coalition,” Wike said.
The former governor revealed that the only major political decision already agreed upon by the coalition is its support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Wike also described the coalition as the most influential political platform currently operating in Rivers State, arguing that anyone seeking elective office in the state would need to work with the alliance.
In a statement that has already sparked political conversations across the state, he urged politicians aspiring to become governor, senator, House of Representatives member, state lawmaker, or local government chairman to align with the coalition.
“If you want to be relevant in Rivers politics, come and join the Rainbow Coalition,” he said.
The minister further warned against premature celebrations by some aspirants who believe they have already secured the coalition’s backing, insisting that no final decision has been made.
According to him, every candidate within the alliance remains under consideration until consultations are concluded and a consensus position is reached.
Wike also used the occasion to call for unity among Rivers politicians, saying the coalition was created to put the interests of the state above party differences and political rivalries.
He argued that Rivers State’s development and stability should remain the priority, regardless of political affiliations.
The former governor also took a swipe at smaller political parties, suggesting that political rhetoric alone cannot replace strong grassroots structures and electoral machinery.
According to him, only major parties with established nationwide networks have consistently demonstrated the capacity to contest and win elections across Nigeria.
His remarks come as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum across the country.
Source: NTA
