By Our Correspondent
A fresh political battle may be unfolding in Rivers State as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has unveiled candidates of the Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The unveiling took place on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at a political gathering in Rivers State, according to information released by Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka.
The development has drawn attention to the coalition’s political strategy, particularly as its list features politicians from both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
APC Chieftain Emerges as Governorship Candidate
One of the major highlights of the unveiling is the emergence of Ogundu Kingsley Chinda of the APC as the Rainbow Coalition’s governorship candidate in Rivers State.
Major Jack was named as his running mate.
The announcement comes as political parties and their allies begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with Rivers State expected to remain a major centre of political contest.
Wike Declares Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
Beyond the unveiling, Wike has reiterated the Rainbow Coalition’s commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The former Rivers State governor has maintained that the coalition’s support for Tinubu does not prevent its members from backing their preferred candidates for National Assembly seats.
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike dismissed criticisms of the coalition, describing those who failed to understand its political strategy as inexperienced politicians.
“Anybody who says he does not recognise the importance of Rainbow Coalition is not a politician. Anybody who said that is a baby politician,” Wike said.
He also questioned why the coalition’s approach should create confusion among voters.
A Cross-Party Alliance Ahead of 2027
Wike defended the coalition’s strategy by pointing to previous instances of cross-party alliances in Nigeria’s political history.
He explained that he had directed his supporters to work for Tinubu’s re-election while continuing to support their preferred candidates in National Assembly elections.
The arrangement signals the coalition’s intention to combine support for the president with its own political interests at the state and legislative levels.
Political Questions Emerge
The unveiling of the candidates adds another dimension to the evolving political calculations ahead of 2027.
With the Rainbow Coalition bringing together politicians from different parties, attention is likely to focus on how the alliance will operate, how its candidates will perform, and what impact its strategy could have on the political landscape in Rivers State.
As the election approaches, the coalition’s next moves could become a significant talking point in the contest for political influence in the state.
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