Wike Unveils Rainbow Coalition Candidates in Rivers, Calls Critics ‘Baby Politicians’ Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has unveiled candidates of the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections, reinforcing his political group’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.

The unveiling took place on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at a political gathering in Rivers State, according to information made available by Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka.

The development highlights the coalition’s preparations for the forthcoming elections and its strategy of bringing together political interests across party lines to pursue shared electoral objectives.

According to the list released at the event, the Rainbow Coalition has selected Ogundu Kingsley Chinda of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as its governorship candidate in Rivers State, with Major Jack named as his running mate.

The unveiled list reportedly features candidates drawn from both the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reflecting the coalition’s cross-party character and its attempt to consolidate political support ahead of the 2027 polls.

The Rainbow Coalition has consistently maintained that it would support President Tinubu’s re-election campaign, even as its members pursue other elective positions under different political affiliations.

Wike’s latest political move comes amid ongoing debates within Nigeria’s political landscape over the implications of cross-party alliances and how politicians can support a presidential candidate while backing different candidates in legislative and other elections.

Speaking separately in Abuja on Tuesday during his media chat, the former Rivers State governor launched a fresh attack on those opposing the Rainbow Coalition, describing critics who question its political relevance as inexperienced politicians.

Wike maintained that there was no contradiction in supporting Tinubu for president while endorsing candidates from different political parties for the National Assembly and other elective offices.

He argued that political alliances were not unusual in Nigeria and that experienced politicians understood how to manage relationships across party lines without confusing voters or undermining their individual political interests.

“Anybody who says he does not recognise the importance of Rainbow Coalition is not a politician. Anybody who said that is a baby politician. Is there any conflict? There is no conflict. How does it confuse people?” he queried.

Wike further explained that he had directed his supporters to work for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 while also supporting their preferred candidates in the National Assembly elections.

His position suggests that the coalition intends to pursue a dual political strategy: mobilising support for Tinubu at the presidential level while allowing its members to promote candidates for legislative positions based on the coalition’s political arrangements.

The FCT minister also cited previous examples of cross-party alliances in Nigeria, arguing that political cooperation across party lines was a recognised feature of the country’s electoral politics.

His remarks appeared aimed at dismissing suggestions that the coalition’s support for Tinubu could create uncertainty among supporters or undermine the electoral prospects of candidates affiliated with different parties.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the unveiling of the Rivers State candidates signals the coalition’s efforts to strengthen its political structure and establish its presence in the state.

However, the coalition’s ultimate influence will depend on its ability to maintain unity among its members, mobilise voters and translate its political arrangements into electoral success.

Wike’s latest comments also underscore the emerging political alignments ahead of the next general elections, with alliances, candidate selection and presidential endorsements expected to play significant roles in shaping the contest.

As preparations gather momentum, the Rainbow Coalition’s activities in Rivers State are likely to attract further attention, particularly regarding how its candidates will work alongside the broader political interests suppo rting Tinubu’s second-term ambition.