Wike Denies Backing Any 2027 Rivers Governorship Aspirant, Says Coalition Will Decide

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that no aspirant has been selected to succeed Governor Siminalayi Fubara in 2027, insisting that the decision rests with the Rainbow Coalition.

Wike made the clarification during a luncheon held in Port Harcourt on Saturday for candidates affiliated with the coalition, a political alliance bringing together members of the PDP, APC, Labour Party and Action Alliance.

The former Rivers governor specifically rejected suggestions that he had endorsed any governorship hopeful, including Hon. Kingsley Chinda of the APC.

Addressing coalition members, Wike said discussions on the governorship ticket remain open and that aspirants would be given the chance to demonstrate their political strength before any final decision is reached.

“In the Rainbow Coalition, we have not chosen who will be the governor of Rivers State. But we have party candidates who have emerged under the Rainbow Coalition. The only decision we have taken is that we are going to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he stated.

He maintained that the coalition’s leadership would collectively determine its eventual governorship candidate and warned against premature claims of endorsement.

Wike also called on politicians seeking positions such as governor and senator to join the coalition, describing it as the dominant political platform in Rivers State.

“If you want to be important in the politics of Rivers State, come and join the Rainbow Coalition. If you want to be governor, come here. If you want to be senator, come here… You must come. If you don’t come, you cannot get it,” he said.

According to him, the coalition was established to unite political actors across party lines and strengthen coordination ahead of future elections.

The comments come amid increasing political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 polls, with attention focused on possible governorship aspirants, including Kingsley Chinda.

The situation is further complicated by ongoing court-related issues surrounding Chinda’s alleged defection and resignation as House Minority Leader, as well as the recent Court of Appeal verdict that removed Chief Tony Okocha as APC chairman in Rivers State and nullified decisions taken under his leadership.

Observers say the developments could reshape political alignments and influence the battle for the Rivers governorship in 2027.

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