Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday declared a total political reconciliation in Rivers State as he led Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other political leaders across party lines to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027.
Wike, who is the leader of the newly unveiled Rainbow Coalition, made the declaration in Port Harcourt during the official unveiling of candidates adopted by the coalition for the 2027 general elections.
The event, which marked a significant shift in Rivers State politics, brought together key political actors who have been at loggerheads in recent months, including Governor Fubara, former Senator Magnus Abe, serving lawmakers, and candidates drawn from at least six political parties.
According to Wike, the Rainbow Coalition was formed to collapse partisan divisions in Rivers State and mobilize a united front for President Tinubu’s re-election, irrespective of individual party affiliations.
Speaking at the event, Wike called on members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers and across the country to support President Tinubu, describing it as a strategic decision in the interest of the state and national stability.
“Every PDP member in Rivers State will support Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Every PDP member in Kwara State, you will support Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Every PDP member in Benue State, you will support Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Wike declared.
He said the coalition was not about party supremacy but about aligning Rivers State with the center and ensuring the state benefits from the federal government, adding that political differences should not hinder collective progress.
Wike also used the occasion to criticize opposition figures. He questioned the political consistency of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, suggesting that his frequent change of political platforms raises questions about his capacity to lead a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
The FCT Minister further took a swipe at former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, revisiting some of the policy promises made during Amaechi’s administration from 2007 to 2015, including commitments on public health and development projects. He also referenced allegations regarding the management of state funds during that period, citing a past judicial commission of inquiry. These allegations were made by Wike at the event and have been subjects of political dispute in the past.
Wike maintained that the Rainbow Coalition offers a more inclusive and peaceful model of politics, different from what he described as winner-takes-all politics. He warned against any attempt to destabilize Rivers State again and said the coalition would not tolerate those seeking to create crisis.
He commended Governor Fubara for attending the event in person and for performing the unveiling of the candidates, describing the governor’s presence as a demonstration of unity and family bond.
In his remarks, Governor Siminalayi Fubara described the gathering as a homecoming and an opportunity to reunite with his political family for the good of Rivers State.
“I’m really happy to be here. Not just being here, standing in the midst of my family. This is my family because I wouldn’t have been the governor of Rivers State if, by the grace of Almighty, I had not passed through my oga and other leaders to make it possible in our dear state,” Fubara said.
The governor acknowledged that despite past political disagreements, the leaders shared a common responsibility to work for the development of the state. He pledged to work for the victory of President Tinubu and the candidates of the Rainbow Coalition in the state.
“So no matter what has happened, I’m very grateful today that, one way or the other, we are back together for a better cause and for the good of our dear state,” he added.
Also speaking, Senator Magnus Abe called on former Governor Amaechi to reconsider his reported alliance as running mate to Atiku Abubakar. Abe argued that such a move would contradict the principle of rotational presidency between the North and South, which Amaechi himself had previously advocated.
“On behalf of all of us here gathered in Rivers State, we want to call on Amaechi to immediately respect his own position and resign as the vice-presidential candidate to Atiku Abubakar, because it is the turn of the South, and Rivers State will stand by the agreement between the North and the South,” Abe stated.
Abe said the Rainbow Coalition’s position was clear: support for President Tinubu as the candidate representing the South, and declared his full support for the coalition.
On behalf of the adopted candidates from six political parties, the APC governorship candidate for Rivers State, Hon. Kingsley Chinda, said the coalition represents a shift from divisive party politics to collective leadership focused on Rivers State interest.
According to Chinda, the coalition is united by two major objectives – ensuring President Tinubu’s re-election and promoting peace and sustainable development in Rivers State.
“We are going to run a government for the people, that will place the interests of Rivers people first,” Chinda said, pledging that an administration formed by the coalition would be inclusive, accommodating different political parties, gender groups, and religious interests.
He commended the political leaders in the state for embracing peace and expressed optimism that the coalition would help prevent election-related crises and ensure a peaceful transition after the 2027 elections
