Rivers 2027: Fubara's Successor to be Determined by Rainbow Coalition, Says Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has categorically denied endorsing any candidate for the 2027 Rivers State governorship election, including Hon. Ogundu Kingsley Chinda of the All Progressives Congress. This assertion was made in response to claims that he had backed a particular candidate for the upcoming election.

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The emerging Rainbow Coalition, a political entity comprising members from the Peoples Democratic Party, APC, Labour Party, and Action Alliance, will collectively decide on the next governor of Rivers State, according to Wike.

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Wike made these remarks on Saturday in Port Harcourt during a luncheon for candidates under the coalition, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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No final decision has been made regarding the governorship ticket, Wike emphasized, noting that aspirants will still have the opportunity to contest and demonstrate their popularity.

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Wike stated that the only decision made by the Rainbow Coalition is to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and that the coalition's leadership will decide on the endorsement process.

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He noted that the Rainbow Coalition has not chosen a governor for Rivers State, but rather has party candidates who have emerged under the coalition.

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Wike warned against assuming a candidate has already been endorsed, stressing that the coalition's leadership will make this decision.

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The minister, who has consistently stated his intention to play a significant role in determining his successor, emphasized that the coalition is open to all political actors willing to align with its platform.

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Wike invited all interested parties to join the Rainbow Coalition, stating that it is the only way to achieve importance in Rivers State politics.

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He reiterated that the coalition was formed to provide a unified platform across party lines, with internal consultations determining its eventual flag bearer.

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Wike's comments come amidst rising political tension in the state and speculation over the future of frontline governorship aspirants, including Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

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The situation is further complicated by ongoing legal disputes involving Chinda's alleged defection and resignation from his position as Minority Leader in the House of Representatives.

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A recent Court of Appeal judgment in Port Harcourt sacked Chief Tony Okocha, an ally of Wike, as APC chairman in Rivers State, declaring decisions taken under his leadership invalid.

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According to political observers, this ruling could further reshape the APC's internal structure ahead of the 2027 elections in the state.