Wike Reveals Plans for PDP, APC, LP, and AA to Unite Behind Single Governorship Contender in Rivers 2027 Election

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced on Saturday that the four parties within the "Rainbow Coalition" in Rivers State will collectively choose a single governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections, thereby dispelling speculation about any individual having secured the ticket.

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The coalition, consisting of the Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress, Labour Party, and Action Alliance, has yet to decide on a flag-bearer, according to Wike, who spoke at a luncheon for coalition candidates in Port Harcourt, with the decision to be made jointly under the coalition's leadership.

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Wike stated that the Rainbow Coalition has not selected a governor for Rivers State, but has party candidates who have emerged under the coalition, with the only decision taken being to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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The minister dismissed premature victory celebrations among some aspirants, warning that such claims create a false impression and undermine his own standing, particularly as a member of the PDP.

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Wike urged all candidates from the four parties to continue their grassroots mobilisation until the coalition formally convenes to take a unified position, adding that every candidate in the alliance is suitable for Rivers State.

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Wike accused certain human rights activists, commentators, and media organisations of profiting from Rivers State's instability, citing a long-standing pattern of external exploitation of the state's political tensions.

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The Rainbow Coalition was formed to put an end to this dynamic, according to Wike, who quoted "God said no, we must come together as a people, irrespective of our political leanings," and emphasized the importance of discussing the state's development and unity.

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Wike also criticized fringe parties, specifically the African Democratic Congress, arguing that political noise and defections are no substitute for genuine electoral structure, and that only the PDP, APC, and Labour Party have demonstrated the operational depth to prosecute statewide and national elections across Nigeria.