By: Manoah Kikekon
 |
| Nyesom Wike |
The political landscape in Rivers State is witnessing a dramatic shift as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, declared that traditional party lines have been blurred in favor of a new alliance. Speaking on Friday, Wike revealed that politicians in the state have united under a "Rainbow Coalition" to ensure President Bola Tinubu returns to office in 2027.
During a "thank you" visit to the Andoni Local Government Area, the former governor emphasized that the current priority in Rivers is not party allegiance but a unified mission. Labeled the "Renewed Hope Family," this coalition aims to consolidate support for the Presidency regardless of previous political affiliations.
"We don’t have party allegiance in Rivers. What we have is a Rainbow Coalition... in pursuit of a common cause and interest," Wike stated, signaling a strategic consolidation of power within the oil-rich state.
Wike’s address was not just about national politics; it also touched upon the internal friction within Rivers State. Reflecting on the local political outcome of the previous year, the Minister hinted at a major realignment ahead of the next election cycle. He urged the people of Andoni to remain steadfast, promising that the benefits of supporting the Tinubu administration would continue to manifest in the region.
“For our local politics, at the appropriate time, we will make a decision to correct the mistake we made in 2023,” Wike noted, a comment widely interpreted as a reference to the current state leadership.
The reception in Andoni underscored Wike's enduring influence in the region. Key stakeholders expressed their readiness to follow his lead:
Ofiks Kagbang (Rivers Assembly Member): Described the current occupancy of the Government House as a "mistake" and pledged that the Ijaw people would follow Wike’s directives in 2027.
Prince Otuo (Council Chairman): Confirmed that local leaders have already begun mobilizing support for President Tinubu’s second term, citing the numerous projects and employment opportunities brought to the area during Wike’s governorship.
This development marks a significant milestone in Nigerian politics, as Rivers State has historically been a stronghold for various opposing interests. By forming a Rainbow Coalition, Wike appears to be building a formidable machinery intended to bridge the gap between the APC-led federal government and the local grassroots structure in Rivers.