2027: Wike Shuts Down Governorship Ticket Speculations, Says ‘Nobody Has Been Chosen’
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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, on Saturday put an end to growing speculations over who will fly the flag of the Rainbow Coalition in the 2027 Rivers State governorship election, declaring that no candidate has been endorsed for the coveted seat.
Wike, who spoke at a luncheon organised for candidates of the Rainbow Coalition in Port Harcourt, said the coalition’s only unanimous decision so far is its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the governorship ticket remains open to aspirants from all member parties.
The coalition comprises the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP) and Action Alliance (AA).
“The Rainbow Coalition has not chosen who will be governor of Rivers State,” Wike said.
“The only person we have chosen is that we are going to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We have candidates from different political parties, but nobody has been selected as governorship candidate.”
The former Rivers governor expressed displeasure over comments by some politicians suggesting that the coalition had already settled for a particular candidate or political party.
According to him, such claims are misleading and unfair, especially when candidates from various parties within the coalition are still in contention.
“When I hear some people come here and begin to say we have picked this person or that party, it becomes an indictment on me because there are candidates from my own party and other parties.
We have not sat down to make such a decision,” he said.
“Nobody should come here and say, ‘We thank you for choosing APC.’ We have not decided. The decision has not been taken.”
Wike explained that the Rainbow Coalition was established as a broad-based political platform bringing together stakeholders across party lines for the peace, unity and development of Rivers State.
He said the coalition’s leadership would, at the appropriate time, meet and collectively decide on the direction to take regarding the governorship race.
“The coalition belongs to everybody. APC is there, PDP is there, Labour Party is there and AA is there. When the time comes, the leadership will meet and take a position that will be binding on all members,” he stated.
The minister urged all aspirants and political groups within the coalition to continue mobilising support at the grassroots instead of engaging in premature celebrations.
He maintained that all the candidates currently seeking support under the coalition are qualified and have the capacity to lead the state.
Wike also took a swipe at political commentators, activists and sections of the media whom he accused of profiting from Rivers State’s political crises in the past.
He said the coalition was formed to end the era of instability and negative narratives that had often portrayed the state as politically volatile.
“There were people who smiled to the bank whenever there was a crisis in Rivers State. Some newspapers would splash alarming headlines and make money from our problems,” he said.
“But God said no. We must come together as one people irrespective of political affiliation. What is important is the development of Rivers State and the unity of our people.”
The FCT minister further dismissed the growing influence claimed by some smaller political parties, insisting that electoral success requires strong grassroots structures and experience.
According to him, only major parties with proven nationwide networks have consistently demonstrated the capacity to win and manage elections across the country.
He urged members of the Rainbow Coalition to remain united and focused, saying the ultimate objective is to secure a stable, prosperous and politically united Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.
