While Wike previously maintained that the coalition was formed to back President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid rather than the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Daily Trust reports that the alliance brings together the APC, PDP, Labour Party, and Action Alliance in Rivers State, internal cracks have begun to show.

Key Highlights and Controversies:

• Labour Party Disowns Coalition: Authentic LP chieftains in Rivers State have distanced themselves from the arrangement, clarifying that the individuals involved are linked to the Labour Union rather than the official party structure. Former South-South Zonal Vice Chairman Favour Reuben also alleged that the coalition’s recognized LP governorship candidate is actually a PDP member.

• Marginalization Concerns: Political analyst Celestine Akpobari criticized the alliance for lacking inclusivity, pointing out that key leadership positions and candidates across the participating parties are dominated by a single ethnic group, rendering the “rainbow” label contradictory. He further argued that power rotation should look toward the Ogoni people if shifted from Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

• Coalition Defense: Conversely, an anonymous Rivers APC chieftain in the coalition claimed the alliance has effectively taken grassroots control, incorporating local government chairmen, councillors, and Governor Fubara’s loyalists.

• Endorsement for Tinubu: Former IYC President Udengs Eradiri defended the coalition, describing it as a valuable asset designed to secure bulk votes for President Tinubu’s 2027 campaign across diverse political lines, rather than undermining existing governors.

According to reports, at least 33 detainees are feared dead following an operation against illegal mining that led to their arrest and subsequent detention at an NSCDC facility in Minna. The tragedy was discovered during the early hours of Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Summary of Events:

• The Crackdown: The Niger State Command of the NSCDC executed a “burst operation” between September 15 and 16 to curb illegal mining, leading to multiple arrests.

• The Discovery: In the early hours of September 17, scores of detained suspects were found dead due to a suspected illness. Hospital sources indicate that 33 individuals succumbed, with diphtheria suspected as the cause.

• Public Reaction: The incident sparked protests from relatives and residents in the M.I. Wushishi and Mekunkle areas.

• Official Response: NSCDC State Commandant Suberu Aniviye confirmed the incident, stated that the bodies were deposited at the General Hospital in Minna for medical examinations, and appealed for calm while security agencies manage the situation.

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