Wike Denies Endorsement Of Rivers Governorship Candidate, Says Coalition Undecided

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports suggesting that the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State has endorsed a governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that no decision has been taken.

Wike clarified the position during a luncheon for coalition candidates in Port Harcourt, stressing that discussions on the state’s governorship race remain ongoing and inconclusive.

He said the coalition had only reached a consensus to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that any claim of a preferred governorship candidate was premature and misleading.

The former Rivers State governor warned aspirants against celebrating or publicising alleged endorsements, noting that such actions could distort the collective decision-making process of the alliance.

“The Rainbow Coalition has not chosen who will be the governor of Rivers State. We have candidates who have emerged from different parties within the coalition, but the only decision we have taken is that we are going to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

Wike explained that the Rainbow Coalition is a broad political platform comprising members of the APC, PDP, Labour Party and Action Alliance, adding that all decisions regarding the governorship contest would be made collectively by its leadership.

He said all aspirants remain eligible for consideration, describing them as capable individuals committed to the development of Rivers State.

The minister urged coalition members to continue mobilising support and strengthening grassroots structures ahead of a formal meeting where a unified position would be reached.

Wike also criticised what he described as attempts to misrepresent the coalition’s internal processes, saying such narratives were often exaggerated by commentators and media outlets.

According to him, the Rainbow Coalition was formed to promote unity, stability and development across Rivers State, regardless of political differences.

He further cautioned against mistaking political rhetoric for electoral strength, arguing that only established parties such as the PDP, APC and Labour Party possess the organisational structure needed to compete effectively in elections.