Wike’s Rainbow Coalition Holds Closed-Door Meeting on Fubara’s Successor

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is holding a closed-door meeting with top members of the Rainbow Coalition in Port Harcourt to discuss the choice of a successor to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The meeting, which took place on Saturday, brought together political figures from different parties as preparations continue ahead of the next governorship election in the state.

Those attending the meeting include of the coalition drawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC), different factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other political groups aligned with the platform. Sources familiar with the discussions said the leaders are working toward reaching an agreement on a governorship candidate who will represent the coalition.

According to information from people close to the meeting, the coalition is considering presenting a consensus candidate, with reports suggesting that the eventual flag bearer may emerge from the APC. However, no official decision had been announced at the time of the meeting.

The Rainbow Coalition was formed by Wike as a political platform aimed at mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu while also shaping the political direction of Rivers State ahead of future elections. The coalition brings together politicians from different parties who share common political interests in the state.

Speaking earlier at a public event in Port Harcourt, Wike dismissed reports that a final decision had already been taken on who would succeed Governor Fubara. His remarks came after widespread speculation that APC governorship hopeful Ogundu Kingsley Chinda had already secured his backing.

The minister made it clear that discussions on the issue were still ongoing and that no candidate had been officially adopted by the coalition. His comments were seen as an attempt to address growing reports surrounding the governorship race.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara is no longer expected to seek another term, making the search for a successor one of the major political issues in Rivers State.

The outcome of the Rainbow Coalition’s consultations is expected to play a major role in determining the political direction of the state ahead of the next governorship election.