The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has presented 49 candidates backed by the Rivers State Rainbow Coalition for the 2027 general elections, bringing together politicians from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The unveiling took place on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Port Harcourt, where Wike called for an end to political divisions and renewed his commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
The event also brought together political stakeholders from the Labour Party, Action Alliance, All Progressives Grand Alliance and Allied Peoples Movement, reflecting the coalition’s multiparty structure.
According to figures presented at the gathering, 34 of the endorsed candidates will contest on the APC platform, while 15 will represent the PDP.
Wike Unveils Chinda as Rivers Governorship Candidate
Among the candidates presented was Kingsley Chinda, the APC governorship candidate endorsed by the coalition, alongside Major Jack as his running mate.
For the senatorial contests, the alliance announced its support for Felix Obua of the APC in Rivers West and Allwell Onyeso, also of the APC, in Rivers East.
Olaka Nwogu, contesting under the PDP, was named as the coalition’s preferred candidate for Rivers South-East Senatorial District.
The coalition also distributed its support across the state’s National Assembly and House of Assembly contests.
Of the 13 House of Representatives seats, 10 APC candidates and three PDP candidates received the alliance’s endorsement.
For the 32 seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly, the coalition announced its backing for 21 APC candidates and 11 PDP candidates.
The arrangement reflects Wike’s approach of coordinating candidates from different political parties under a common electoral alliance rather than a single-party platform.
Wike Calls for Political Reconciliation in Rivers
Addressing the gathering, Wike said political leaders in Rivers must put aside their differences and work towards what he described as the state’s collective interest.
He argued that party membership should not prevent politicians from cooperating on issues involving governance, development and political stability.
The former Rivers governor also appealed to PDP members across Nigeria to support Tinubu’s bid for another term, maintaining that political cooperation should take precedence over rigid party loyalties.
Wike criticised opposition figures seeking to challenge the president, questioning their political consistency and capacity to present an alternative.
He said the Rainbow Coalition was established to bring competing political interests together and reduce tensions that had previously affected Rivers State.
Fubara Backs Wike-Led Coalition, Declares Political Dispute Over
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, used the occasion to reaffirm his relationship with Wike and other political figures who supported his emergence as governor.
Fubara acknowledged the role played by Wike’s political network in his rise to office and expressed satisfaction that the two sides were now working together.
The governor said he remained grateful to those who contributed to his political career despite the disagreements that subsequently divided them.
He described the gathering as an opportunity to rebuild relationships and concentrate on the development of Rivers State.
Fubara also declared his support for the Rainbow Coalition and its electoral agenda, including Tinubu’s re-election bid.
He urged residents to support the candidates endorsed by the alliance, arguing that political unity would help advance the state’s interests.
His remarks followed a prolonged political dispute with Wike that disrupted governance in Rivers and contributed to the declaration of emergency rule in March 2025.
The emergency rule was lifted in September 2025, following efforts to resolve the crisis and restore democratic institutions.
Magnus Abe Supports Tinubu’s Second-Term Bid
Also speaking at the event, Senator Magnus Abe, Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, reaffirmed the coalition’s support for Tinubu.
Abe appealed to political stakeholders in Rivers to respect the principle of rotational presidency, which he said should guide their decisions ahead of the 2027 election.
He maintained that the coalition’s position was consistent with its broader political objectives.
Chinda Promises Inclusive Governance
Speaking on behalf of the endorsed candidates, Chinda pledged to pursue an administration that would accommodate different political interests if elected governor.
He identified peace, economic development and unity among residents as priorities.
Chinda also promised to encourage broader participation in governance and strengthen cooperation among political stakeholders.
Rivers Rainbow Coalition Positions Itself for 2027
The unveiling marks another stage in the Rainbow Coalition’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Wike had earlier announced that the alliance would coordinate support for candidates across party lines, while maintaining its backing for Tinubu at the presidential level.
The October 27 event formally presented the 49 candidates the coalition intends to support in the governorship, National Assembly and state legislative contests.
Although the alliance has attracted support from several political groups, its electoral influence will ultimately be determined through the voting process.
The coalition’s endorsements also remain distinct from the formal nomination and certification procedures administered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
