On Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, presented a roster of 49 individuals chosen by the Rivers State Rainbow Coalition to contest the 2027 general elections, while pledging to unite cross‑party leaders behind the re‑election of President Bola Tinubu.
What does the candidate list comprise?
The coalition’s announcement revealed that 34 of the nominees are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while the remaining 15 represent the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The slate covers 13 House of Representatives seats (10 APC, 3 PDP), 32 State Assembly seats (21 APC, 11 PDP), and several senatorial districts.
Who are the top-ticket candidates?
Wike introduced Mr. Kingsley Chinda as the coalition’s preferred governorship candidate and Major Jack as the deputy governorship candidate, both from the APC. For the Senate, the coalition backs Chief Felix Obua for Rivers West, Senator Allwell Onyeso for Rivers East (both APC), and Senator Olaka Nwogu for Rivers South‑East (PDP).
What message did Wike deliver to the PDP?
During his remarks, Wike urged PDP members nationwide to “transcend party lines and support Tinubu to ensure political stability,” emphasizing that ideological differences should not hinder state and national development.
How did Governor Siminayi Fubara respond?
Governor Fubara praised the gathering as a crucial moment for political reconciliation, stating, “I am really happy to be here standing in the midst of my family. This is my family because I wouldn’t have become governor without this family.” He affirmed that the era of political conflict in Rivers is over and pledged full alignment with the coalition to secure Tinubu’s victory.
What are the coalition’s broader goals?
The Rainbow Coalition was formed to consolidate diverse political interests in Rivers around a single objective: delivering a united front for the 2027 elections. Its leaders warned against actions that could reignite political friction and called on the electorate to vote overwhelmingly for the coalition’s candidates to promote unity and advance the state’s interests.
The event also hosted representatives from the Labour Party, Action Alliance, All Progressives Grand Alliance and Allied People Movement, underscoring the coalition’s intent to bring together a wide spectrum of political actors.