Rivers 2027: I’m yet to endorse any governorship candidate — Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State has not endorsed any candidate for the 2027 governorship election, dismissing claims that the alliance has already settled for a preferred aspirant.

Speaking on Saturday at a luncheon organised for candidates of the coalition in Port Harcourt, Wike said the only decision reached by the political bloc was its commitment to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

According to him, the coalition, which brings together members of different political parties, has yet to meet and take a collective position on who should emerge as its governorship candidate in Rivers State.

“The Rainbow Coalition has not chosen who will be governor of Rivers State. The only person we have agreed to support is President Bola Tinubu,” Wike said.

The former Rivers governor cautioned political actors against making premature declarations on behalf of the coalition, noting that such claims could create misconceptions and undermine ongoing consultations among stakeholders.

He stressed that the alliance remains a multi-party platform comprising members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and Action Alliance (AA), adding that any decision on the governorship race would be taken collectively by its leadership.

Wike said all candidates emerging from the participating parties remain qualified contenders and urged members of the coalition to continue mobilising at the grassroots pending a formal meeting to determine a common position.

The minister also criticised what he described as attempts by some commentators and interest groups to exploit political tensions in Rivers State, insisting that the coalition was formed to promote unity, stability and development across the state.