2027: Fubara Missing as Wike, Chinda, Others Storm Spain for Strategic Meeting

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and other major figures linked to the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State have reportedly travelled to Spain for a strategic meeting ahead of the 2027 general elections. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who recently aligned himself with the coalition, was not part of the meeting.

Those said to have attended the meeting include the Executive Director of Projects and Infrastructural Development at the South South Development Commission, Chief Marcus Nle Ejii; Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Senator Mao Ohabunwa; and the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Rivers State, Kingsley Ogundu Chinda.

The details of the discussions held in Spain have not been made public. However, the meeting is believed to be connected to political preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly the governorship contest in Rivers State.

The meeting comes amid growing political activities among stakeholders in the state as parties begin preparations for the next election cycle.

Wike had recently indicated his support for Chinda as his preferred choice to take over from Fubara as governor of Rivers State.

Chinda, a member of the House of Representatives, is therefore expected to play a major role in the political plans of the group as the state moves towards the 2027 governorship election.

Fubara’s absence from the Spain meeting is likely to attract attention, especially because the governor recently associated himself with the Rainbow Coalition. The development could also raise questions about the extent of his involvement in the group’s political plans ahead of the election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has already announced that campaigns for the Rivers State governorship election, scheduled for February 6, 2027, began on Tuesday, September 8.

With political parties and their supporters now permitted to campaign, activities surrounding the election are expected to increase in the coming months as candidates seek to build support across the state.

The reported meeting in Spain is coming at a time when political alignments are taking shape across Rivers State, with major stakeholders positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 contest.