Political tension is mounting in Rivers State amid ongoing consultations over a coalition expected to produce a consensus governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.
The proposed alliance, said to include both ruling and opposition interests, is being driven by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who has reportedly intensified efforts to identify a preferred candidate.
Unlike developments in other states where aspirants have begun to declare interest, no major figure—including the incumbent governor, Siminalayi Fubara—has publicly indicated plans to contest. Observers say Fubara’s silence is fuelling uncertainty as political realignments gather pace.
Sources familiar with the coalition’s plans revealed that two individuals are currently being considered as possible consensus candidates. One is Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, who has represented Obio-Akpor Federal Constituency since 2011 and is widely seen as a loyal ally of Wike.
Also in the mix is Marcus Eji, Executive Director (Projects) at the South-South Development Commission and a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Eji is similarly regarded as close to Wike and was recently introduced to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a private meeting in Abuja.
Amid the speculation, Wike dismissed ethnic considerations in the selection process, cautioning against attempts to polarise his political base. “Those pushing ethnic sentiments will not succeed. I will work with anyone who is sincere, regardless of origin,” he said.
The minister clarified that he has not endorsed any governorship candidate for 2027, maintaining that his only declared support is for President Tinubu’s re-election.
Sources added that the coalition’s eventual platform may depend largely on Fubara’s decision. If the governor chooses to seek a second term under the All Progressives Congress arrangement granting first-term governors priority, the coalition may field its candidate on the Peoples Democratic Party platform to challenge him.
However, if Fubara opts out of the race, the consensus candidate could emerge on the APC platform, given the coalition’s reported influence across both parties in the state.
Concerns are growing over the governor’s political footing, with critics pointing to his struggles to rebuild support following the crisis that weakened the ‘Simplified Movement.’ Analysts warn that contesting without firm control of party structures could pose significant challenges.
Nonetheless, a source close to the governor insisted that the final decision rests with him. “Only the governor can determine his next step. He still enjoys support among residents and colleagues, and that backing can be revived. For now, we await his decision,” the source said.
The source added that if Fubara’s ambition depends on Wike’s backing, he may not contest, as the minister has reportedly ruled out supporting him again.
Wike himself hinted at this stance, suggesting a widening rift. “No amount of pressure or intimidation will make me repeat past mistakes. Whatever anyone chooses to do is their business, but I will not go down that path again,” he stated.
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