Rivers Politics Heats Up As Wike Clears Air On Chinda Endorsement, Reveals Succession Plan

The Rainbow Coalition is a political alliance made up of members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), and Action Alliance (AA).

Wike also dismissed reports claiming that he has endorsed the APC candidate, Ogundu Kingsley Chinda, as the successor to Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the 2027 governorship election.

He made the clarification on Saturday in Port Harcourt during a luncheon organised for candidates under the Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, no decision has yet been taken on the governorship ticket, stressing that all aspirants will have the opportunity to contest and demonstrate their political strength. He added that the final decision will be collectively made by the coalition leadership.

Wike, however, confirmed that the coalition has already agreed to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

“In the Rainbow Coalition, we have not selected anyone as the governorship candidate for Rivers State. We have candidates who emerged under the coalition, but the only decision taken so far is our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

He further explained that anyone interested in playing a significant role in Rivers State politics must align with the coalition.

“If you want to be relevant in Rivers politics, join the Rainbow Coalition. If you want to be governor, senator, or hold any elective position, you must come through this platform. Without it, you cannot succeed,” he said.

Wike added that the coalition was created to unite different political groups under a common platform, noting that consultations and internal processes would determine its eventual governorship candidate.