Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has announced that the next Rivers State governor will be selected collectively by the “Rainbow Coalition”. This political alliance consists of members from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and Action Alliance (AA).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Addressing a luncheon for coalition candidates in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Wike clarified his stance on the 2027 gubernatorial race:

• He explicitly denied rumors that he had endorsed Ogundu Kingsley Chinda as the successor to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

• He emphasized that the coalition has not yet finalized a choice for the governorship ticket.

• Aspirants will be required to contest and demonstrate their popularity within the coalition’s framework.

• The final decision on the flagbearer will be determined by the leadership of the coalition following internal consultations.

While the governorship race remains open, Wike confirmed that the coalition is unified in its support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign. He framed the Rainbow Coalition as the essential platform for political success in the state, stating that those aspiring to positions such as governor or senator must join the group to be viable candidates.

On Sunday, Atiku Abubakar, the 2027 presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), held a closed-door meeting with fellow aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen at his residence in Lagos. This meeting occurred shortly after Atiku secured the party’s presidential ticket in a primary that also featured Hayatu-Deen and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to sources, the encounter was intended to reconcile members who were dissatisfied following the primary election. Hayatu-Deen is expected to issue a statement to the press regarding the meeting.

Prior to this reconciliation attempt, Hayatu-Deen had notably distanced himself from the primary’s conclusion. Before the results were officially declared, he announced his withdrawal from the process, citing personal observations and reports of widespread vote rigging. In a social media post explaining his absence from the results announcement, he stated his intention to seek advice on his next steps due to these concerns.

With the January 16, 2027, general election fast approaching, the presidential race has intensified as political parties finalize their candidate selections through primaries and consensus agreements. This transition into the campaign phase, however, is marked by significant friction, as various stakeholders and aspirants challenge the integrity of the nomination processes.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently enforced a May 30 deadline for the completion of primaries and the resolution of internal nomination disputes, cautioning that non-compliance could result in the forfeiture of a party’s right to participate in the election. With this hurdle passed, political actors are now pivoting toward nationwide engagement, strategic alliances, and formal campaigning.

Current Presidential Candidates

The field of contenders for the 2027 presidency currently includes:

• All Progressives Congress (APC): Bola Tinubu

• Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – Wike-backed faction: Sandy Onor

• Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – Tanimu Turaki-backed faction: Goodluck Jonathan

• African Democratic Congress (ADC) – David Mark-led faction: Atiku Abubakar

• African Democratic Congress (ADC) – Other faction: Dumebi Kachikwu

• Peoples Redemption Party (PRP): Donald Duke

• African Action Congress (AAC): Omoyele Sowore

• Social Democratic Party (SDP): Adewole Adebayo

• Social Democratic Party (SDP) – Shehu Gabam-led faction: Abimbola Akeem Atanda

• Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC): Peter Obi

• Allied Peoples Movement (APM): Seyi Makinde

• Action Democratic Party (ADP): Aliyu Bin Abbas

• Accord Party (A): Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim

• Labour Party (LP): Dr. Chibuzo Okereke

As the election date nears, the political landscape is expected to remain volatile, characterized by further coalition building, intensive consultations, and ongoing legal challenges regarding the legitimacy of these candidacies.