Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, have reaffirmed their resolve to remain united under the Rainbow Coalition. The unity of purpose was declared by Fubara while unveiling candidates of the Rainbow Coalition in the State at a ceremony held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt. Fubara called for an end to factional leadership in the State's political family and pleaded with his supporters to allow the lingering issue of divided loyalty to be put to rest permanently.
According to Fubara, the Rainbow Coalition has a common leader and "General Overseer" in the person of Chief Nyesom Wike, a position that must be respected by all members going forward in the interest of unity, peace, and the electoral fortunes of the group. Fubara described the event as an emotional homecoming to his political family, stating that he would not have become Governor if God had not used Wike and other leaders of the family to make it possible. He expressed gratitude to God that despite past disagreements, the family is back together for the good of the State.
Fubara pledged his full commitment to the coalition, vowing to deploy all his energy and resources to ensure victory for President Tinubu, whom he credited for standing by him during his most difficult political tribulations. The governor said it was a rare honour for him to unveil the candidates who will contest under the Rainbow Coalition platform, expressing strong optimism that they will cruise to a resounding victory in the 2027 general elections. At the ceremony, Fubara presented flags to the candidates for various elective offices.
The main event was the unveiling of Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda and Hon. Major Jack as governorship and deputy governorship candidates, respectively. In an acceptance speech, Chinda said that Rivers State was set to make positive history by returning President Tinubu for a second term. Chinda, who spoke on behalf of candidates of the six political parties that make up the Rainbow Coalition, said the coalition represents a new political order in Rivers State where party lines have been collapsed for a singular vision and purpose driven by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
Chinda noted that the coalition has put an end to the winner-takes-all politics, as all parties have peacefully agreed even before the elections to work together to take Rivers State to the next level. Chinda assured that if elected, his administration would run an inclusive government that accommodates all political parties, gender, and religion, with the interest of Rivers people as its top priority. He expressed appreciation to Fubara for handing over the flags of authority to the candidates and commended all leaders of the State for restoring peace.
Wike, who is the leader of the Rainbow Coalition, charged Rivers people to stand solidly with Tinubu and all the candidates of the Rainbow Coalition in the forthcoming general elections. According to him, the State will achieve greater development if the people work together towards a common vision and a common purpose. The coalition's goal is to ensure a peaceful and fruitful administration, with major landmark projects in the coming political dispensation.
Key points
- Fubara and Wike have reaffirmed their unity under the Rainbow Coalition to deliver victory for President Tinubu and Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda in the 2027 general elections.
- The Rainbow Coalition represents a new political order in Rivers State, where party lines have been collapsed for a singular vision and purpose.
- The coalition aims to run an inclusive government that accommodates all political parties, gender, and religion, with the interest of Rivers people as its top priority.
