The political landscape in Rivers State has taken a new turn following the unveiling of candidates for the 2027 general elections by the Rainbow Coalition, an alliance bringing together politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The coalition has also endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term, declaring its intention to mobilise support for his re-election and promote political unity across the state.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced the coalition’s position at an event on Tuesday, which was broadcast by Arise News.
Wike explained that the Rainbow Coalition was established to bring politicians across party lines together in support of Tinubu and prevent a return to political divisions in Rivers State.
According to him, the alliance is designed to unite political stakeholders around a common objective, irrespective of their party affiliations.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who attended the event, also pledged his support for the coalition, promising to work towards its victory in the 2027 elections.
Fubara attributed his decision to President Tinubu’s support during a difficult period in his political career, promising to reciprocate the gesture through his commitment to the coalition’s success.
The governor further urged members to put aside disagreements over leadership and embrace a common identity, insisting that the coalition should operate as one political family.
APC, PDP SHARE POLITICAL SPOILS
In a significant demonstration of its cross-party arrangement, the Rainbow Coalition unveiled candidates for the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and Rivers State House of Assembly elections.
The list presented at the event named Kingsley Chinda as its governorship candidate and Major Jack as deputy governorship candidate, both under the APC.
For the Senate, Felix Amaechi Obua was named as the coalition’s candidate for Rivers West, while Allwell Iheanacho was presented for Rivers East, both under the APC.
Olaka Johnson Nwogu was named as the candidate for Rivers South-East Senatorial District under the PDP.
The arrangement reflects the coalition’s stated intention to accommodate politicians from different political backgrounds while pursuing common electoral objectives.
Speaking on behalf of the candidates, Chinda pledged that the alliance would move beyond party divisions and promote inclusive governance if its candidates were elected.
He said the coalition was committed to abandoning the politics of exclusion and ensuring that governance served the interests of the wider population rather than only those on the winning side.
Chinda also promised that the alliance would remain united beyond the elections, signalling its intention to sustain the partnership after the 2027 polls.
TINUBU EXPECTED IN RIVERS FOR CAMPAIGN RALLY
Meanwhile, Wike announced that President Tinubu would visit Rivers State on November 7 for a presidential campaign rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Igwuruta.
He called on supporters of the coalition to turn out in large numbers for the rally, which is expected to form part of efforts to mobilise support for the President ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are slated for February 6.
