Port Harcourt:The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, has unveiled 49 candidates from the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State who will be contesting in the 2027 general elections. This announcement was made during an event in Port Harcourt, where Wike emphasized his commitment to political reconciliation and garnering cross-party support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event saw participation from various political stakeholders, including members from the Labour Party, Action Alliance, All Progressives Grand Alliance, and Allied People Movement. Of the 49 candidates, 34 are running under the All Progressives Congress (APC), while 15 represent the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
During the unveiling, Mr. Kinsley Chinda and Mr. Major Jack were presented as the governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the APC, endorsed by the coalition. Other key candidates include Chief Felix Obua for the Rivers West Senatorial District and Sen. Allwell Onyeso for the Rivers East Senatorial District. Additionally, Sen. Olaka Nwogu of the PDP was declared the coalition’s choice for the Rivers South-East Senatorial District.
The coalition plans to support 10 APC candidates and three PDP candidates for the House of Representatives seats, while backing 21 APC and 11 PDP candidates for the State Assembly seats. Wike encouraged PDP members nationwide to look beyond party affiliations and support Tinubu for political stability. He highlighted the coalition’s mission to unify political interests in Rivers State.
Wike remarked that ideological differences should not hinder progress toward state and national development. He praised Gov. Siminayi Fubara for his support and warned against actions that could provoke political discord. Fubara described the coalition as crucial for reuniting political allies and pledged to work towards Tinubu’s victory in 2027, urging voters to support the coalition candidates for the benefit of Rivers State.
Sen. Magnus Abe, Board Chairman of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, reiterated the coalition’s backing for Tinubu, advocating for adherence to the rotational presidency principle. Speaking for the coalition’s candidates, Chinda committed to fostering inclusive governance focused on peace, unity, and economic progress.
Source News Agency of Nigeria