PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, announced on Saturday, May 30, 2026, that a four-party political alliance known as the Rainbow Coalition will collectively determine a single governorship candidate for Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The minister stated this during a luncheon organised for coalition candidates in Port Harcourt, which was broadcast by the Nigerian Television Authority. Okay News reports that Nyesom Wike dismissed speculation that any individual has already secured the political ticket for the governorship race.
The political alliance comprises the Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress, Labour Party, and Action Alliance. According to the minister, the leadership of the alliance has not yet settled on a specific flag bearer, and the final decision will be taken jointly.
“The Rainbow Coalition, we have not chosen who will be the governor of Rivers State. But we have party candidates who have emerged under the Rainbow Coalition. The only decision we have taken is that we are going to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the minister said.
The former governor added that the alliance is currently the dominant political arrangement in the state, asserting that individuals seeking elective positions must align with the group. He said, “If you want to be important in the politics of Rivers State, come and join the Rainbow Coalition. If you want to be governor, come here.”
He urged all candidates from the four political parties to maintain their grassroots mobilisation efforts until the alliance formally reaches a unified position. The minister also stated that smaller political organizations, including the African Democratic Congress, lack the established electoral structures necessary to execute statewide elections across Nigeria.
