By Mercy Peter
In a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, have officially reconciled, reaffirming their political alliance under the umbrella of the Rainbow Coalition.
The leaders pledged to work together to secure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid and endorsed Rt. Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Rivers State.
The official statement confirming the alliance was issued by Onwuka Nzeshi, Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Governor. on Tuesday during the formal unveiling of the coalition’s candidates at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, attended by political leaders, party loyalists, and supporters from six participating political parties.
Unveiling the candidates and presenting flags to flagbearers for various elective positions, Governor Fubara called for an immediate end to internal rivalries and factional loyalties within the state’s political structure.
He described the gathering as an emotional reunion and expressed gratitude to Wike and other stakeholders for their role in his political journey.
”I would not have become governor without the support and intervention of God through Chief Wike and members of this political family,” Fubara said, urging party members to recognize the FCT Minister as the coalition’s common leader and “General Overseer.”
Fubara added that his commitment to President Tinubu’s 2027 campaign stems from the President’s steadfast support during crucial moments in his administration, expressing confidence in a decisive victory for the coalition in February 2027.
A Shift from ‘Winner-Takes-All’ Politics
Speaking on behalf of candidates across the six alliance parties, APC governorship candidate Kingsley Ogundu Chinda stated that the Rainbow Coalition represents a groundbreaking political model aimed at fostering peace and stability in Rivers State.
Chinda, who was unveiled alongside his deputy governorship running mate, Hon. Major Jack, credited Wike’s leadership for bringing diverse political interests together before the polls.
”This coalition signals a departure from the traditional winner-takes-all approach to governance,” Chinda said. “We are setting aside party differences to build an inclusive administration focused on development, social welfare, and cooperation across religious and political lines.”
Consolidating Power
In his remarks, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike urged residents to rally behind President Tinubu and the full slate of Rainbow Coalition candidates. He emphasized that unity among political leaders remains the most effective pathway to accelerating development and attracting federal projects to the state.
The public declaration marks a decisive shift in Rivers State’s political landscape following months of internal tensions, positioning the unified front as a formidable force ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
