Wike's Coalition Reveals Candidates for 2027 Elections, Supports Tinubu's Re-election

The Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State has revealed its chosen candidates for the 2027 general elections. Politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have committed to backing the coalition's selected candidates.

The coalition also endorsed President Bola Tinubu for another term in the upcoming presidential election.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, shared the coalition’s decision on Tuesday. The event was broadcast by Arise News.

Mr Wike said the coalition aims to unite politicians from different parties to support Mr Tinubu and avoid political divisions in the state.

"Rainbow Coalition means no harm but to bring people together from all the political parties to support Bola Ahmed Tinubu," he stated.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara attended the event and promised to work towards the coalition’s success. He mentioned Mr Tinubu’s support during tough times.

"I will do everything within my power to ensure that we have victory, not just for Mr President who has stood for me in my most difficult time," he said.

Mr Fubara urged everyone to set aside leadership disagreements. He said the coalition should act as one political family.

"We are now in one house. And because we have one house, there is no issue about who is the leader," he said.

Sunny Ejekwu, the PDP governorship candidate in Rivers State, said his party agreed to support candidates chosen by the coalition and to rally voters for them.

He described the coalition as a way to reduce political tensions and unite rival parties.

"The Rainbow Coalition is one of its kind. It is a phenomenon that has been introduced to bring harmony to our politics in Rivers State," he said.

Mr Ejekwu also supported Mr Tinubu’s re-election, saying the president deserves to finish a second term.

During the event, Mr Wike criticized former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar regarding his views on power rotation between the northern and southern parts of Nigeria.

He recalled how Mr Abubakar opposed former President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election in 2015 because it went against an agreement on power rotation. Mr Wike questioned Mr Abubakar's consistency on this issue as the 2027 election approaches.

"Knowing your records, you say one thing today, you say another thing tomorrow," he said.

Mr Wike also targeted former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi over spending and projects during his time in office, which ended in 2015.

He questioned the funds allocated for malaria control, a specialist hospital, and the state’s monorail project, saying residents did not enjoy the expected benefits.

Mr Wike alleged that the state’s gas turbine was sold for $308 million in December 2014. He claimed only $308,000 was left in the account when he took office in May 2015.

He mentioned that a judicial panel of inquiry looked into the sale and that its findings were upheld by the Supreme Court. He challenged Mr Amaechi to explain the proceeds.

These allegations were made during Mr Wike’s speech. There was no response from Mr Amaechi included in the event transcript.

The coalition introduced candidates for the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and Rivers State House of Assembly elections.

The names announced included Kingsley Chinda as the governorship candidate and Major Jack as the deputy governorship candidate, both from the APC.

The senatorial candidates listed were Felix Amaechi Obua for Rivers West and Allwell Iheanacho for Rivers East, both from the APC, and Olaka Johnson Nwogu for Rivers South-East from the PDP.

Speaking for the candidates, Mr Chinda said the alliance would set aside party interests and focus on inclusive governance if they win.

"We are no longer divided on party lines. We are no longer playing the politics of the winner takes it all," he said.

He also promised that the coalition would remain united after the elections.

The presidential and National Assembly elections are set for 16 January 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on 6 February.

Mr Wike announced that Mr Tinubu would visit Rivers State on 7 November for a presidential campaign rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Igwuruta. He encouraged supporters to come out in large numbers.