Uncertainty Surrounds Rivers Governorship Race as 2027 Politics Take Shape
Rivers State is gradually entering a new phase of political manoeuvring ahead of the governorship primaries for the 2027 general election, with the state’s political structure appearing increasingly influenced by a broad alliance known as the “Rainbow Coalition.”
The coalition, championed by Nyesom Wike, represents a political arrangement that brings together members of the two dominant parties under a shared platform to pursue common political objectives. The idea behind the coalition, according to observers, is to reduce political tension in the state while strengthening support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Although the coalition draws participants from both the All Progressives Congress and the People’s Democratic Party, the political landscape in Rivers currently appears tilted toward the APC.
This shift became more pronounced after Governor Siminalayi Fubara defected from the PDP to the APC. The development was followed by the defection of most members of the State House of Assembly, further strengthening the APC’s hold on the state’s political structure.
Currently, the APC controls 20 out of the state’s 23 local government areas, while the PDP retains influence in three councils — Obio-Akpor, Port Harcourt City, and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni.
Within the Rainbow Coalition, Wike is widely regarded as the political leader. He is said to maintain significant influence over both the PDP structure in the state and the APC faction led by Tony Okocha, which is recognised by the party’s National Working Committee.
Other political parties in the state appear less organised, with many still awaiting direction from their leaders.
For instance, the African Democratic Congress is said to be in a developmental stage in Rivers, as members await guidance from former governor Rotimi Amaechi regarding the party’s strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite their limited influence, the ADC and other smaller parties may still provide alternative platforms for governorship aspirants who are unable to secure tickets within the dominant political alliances.
Possible Aspirants
Governor Fubara is widely believed to be interested in seeking a second term. However, there are speculations that a recent peace arrangement between him and Wike may include an understanding that could prevent him from contesting again. Whether the governor will honour such an agreement remains uncertain.
Many political analysts argue that any attempt to stop a sitting governor from exercising his constitutional right to seek re-election would be difficult to justify.
Another prominent figure who may enter the race is businessman Tonye Cole, founder of the Sahara Group. Cole previously contested the governorship under the APC and was the party’s candidate in 2023 but lost the election to Fubara.
Speculation suggests that Cole could make another attempt in 2027, possibly under the ADC alongside his political ally Amaechi.
Former senator Magnus Abe is also believed to be considering another governorship bid. Abe has long pursued the position and previously contested under the Social Democratic Party before returning to the APC. His chances of securing the party’s ticket, however, may depend heavily on the support of Wike and his political camp.
Another name occasionally mentioned is Dakuku Peterside. Peterside was the APC’s first governorship candidate in 2015 but lost the election to Wike. Though he remains within the APC, he is not seen as a member of the Rainbow Coalition, leaving uncertainty about the platform he might choose if he decides to contest.
There are also reports that Boma Iyaye, currently serving as Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the Niger Delta Development Commission, could seek the APC ticket. Iyaye is widely regarded as a loyal member of Wike’s political circle.
Other figures within Wike’s political family who are believed to be nursing governorship ambitions include Felix Obuah, popularly known as “Go Round”; Ojukaye Flag Amachree; Kingsley Chinda; Dax George-Kelly; and former senator Olaka Nwogu.
Political observers say the Rainbow Coalition remains the most influential political force in Rivers State and is expected to play a decisive role in determining who eventually emerges as the next governor.
With several prominent figures already positioning themselves for the race, many believe that whoever secures Wike’s endorsement is likely to gain a significant advantage in both the party primaries and the eventual governorship election.
