Wike’s Rainbow Coalition Names Full List of Rivers State Candidates for 2027

Wike’s Rainbow Coalition unveils full slate for 2027 elections

On 27 October 2026, the Rainbow Coalition – a multi‑party platform headed by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike – announced the candidates it will field in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections. The announcement was made in Port Harcourt, the state capital, and was shared on the coalition’s X account by Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media Lere Olayinka. The coalition’s ticket includes candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and it explicitly supports President Bola Tinubu’s re‑election in 2027.

Governorship and deputy

The coalition has selected Rt. Hon. Ogundu Kingsley Chinda of the APC as its governorship candidate, with Hon. (Engr) Major Jack – also of the APC – as his running mate.

Senate nominees

For the Senate, the coalition nominated: - Bro. Felix Amaechi Obua (APC) for Rivers West; - Sen. Onyesom Allwell Iheacho (APC) for Rivers East; - Sen. Olaka Johnson Nwogu (PDP) for Rivers South East.

House of Representatives candidates

Thirteen candidates were named for the Federal House of Representatives: 1. Hon. Bob Solomon – Abua‑Odual/Ahoada East (APC) 2. Hon. Victor C. Obuzor – Ahoada West/Ogba‑Egbema‑Ndoni (APC) 3. Hon. Cyril Godwin Hart – Degema/Bonny (APC) 4. Hon. Jack Isobo Solomon – Akuku‑Toru/Asari‑Toru (APC) 5. Hon. Linda Somiari‑Stewart – Okrika/Ogu‑Bolo (APC) 6. Hon. Frederick Boma Apiafi – Andoni‑Opobo/Nkoro (APC) 7. Hon. Felix Uche Nwaeke – Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo (APC) 8. Hon. Dumnamene R. Dekor – Khana/Gokana (APC) 9. Rt. Hon. Martin C. Amaewhule – Obio/Akpor (APC) 10. Hon. Blessing C. Amadi – Port Harcourt II (APC) 11. Kelechi G. Nwogu – Etche/Omuma (PDP) 12. Arthur O. Uchendu – Ikwerre/Emohua (PDP) 13. Achinike Okogbule‑Wonodi – Port Harcourt I (PDP)

Background

The Rainbow Coalition was formed to unite political actors in Rivers State around a common objective: to secure President Tinubu’s re‑election. It brings together members from the APC and PDP, the two dominant parties in the state, and operates under the leadership of Nyesom Wike, who has previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The coalition’s formation follows a period of political realignment in Rivers State, with the state’s governor, Siminalayi Fubara, publicly endorsing Wike’s leadership during the unveiling ceremony.

During the event, Governor Fubara presented the APC flag to Ogundu Kingsley Chinda, signalling the party’s endorsement of the coalition’s governorship candidate. Fubara also addressed the crowd, stating that those who had previously referred to him as the state’s leader should cease doing so, acknowledging Wike as the new common leader.

Why it matters

The coalition’s slate covers all major electoral positions in Rivers State, meaning that its success or failure will shape the political landscape of the state for the next four years. The inclusion of both APC and PDP candidates reflects an attempt to broaden appeal across the electorate, potentially consolidating support for President Tinubu’s re‑election campaign. The candidates’ selection also indicates the coalition’s strategy to field a mix of experienced politicians and new faces, as seen in the mix of incumbents and newcomers in the House of Representatives list.

The announcement has implications for the state’s governance, as the coalition’s candidates will contest seats that influence federal representation and state policy. The coalition’s backing of Tinubu may also affect the dynamics between the national executive and the state government, especially given the coalition’s emphasis on national unity.

What happens next

The coalition’s candidates will now campaign for the 2027 general elections, which are scheduled to take place in the later part of the year. No specific dates for subsequent events or policy announcements were provided in the sources. The coalition’s strategy will likely involve coordinated campaigning across the state, leveraging Wike’s national profile and the coalition’s multi‑party composition.