Rivers Governor Fubara rejoins Wike’s political family, backs Tinubu

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has stirred widespread political debate after announcing his return to the political family of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, declaring that he is now a member of the Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The announcement, made on Wednesday during the foundation-laying ceremony of the RIVEN Medical Industries Project in Rumuosi, Port Harcourt, marks a significant development in Rivers State politics following months of intense political rivalry between the governor and his predecessor.

Speaking at the event, Fubara publicly declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 and endorsed House Minority Leader Kingsley “OK” Chinda as his preferred candidate for the Rivers State governorship.

“I am supporting President Tinubu for the Presidency and OK Chinda to be the next Governor of Rivers State,” the governor said.

“I am part of the Rainbow Coalition, and I’m back to my political family.”

The governor also appealed to residents, political leaders and his supporters across Rivers State to put aside their differences and embrace reconciliation for the sake of peace and development.

According to him, the prolonged political crisis in the state has affected governance and slowed development, stressing the need for all stakeholders to work together in the overall interest of Rivers people.

READ ALSO; Tinubu hails Wike’s transformation of Abuja after 31-day project commissioning marathon

Fubara urged his supporters to back candidates associated with the Rainbow Coalition, describing unity as essential to sustaining political stability and accelerating socio-economic progress in the state.

The governor’s declaration has, however, generated mixed reactions among political observers and his supporters, particularly on social media, where opinions remained sharply divided.

While some users described the move as a pragmatic political decision capable of fostering stability and protecting Fubara’s political future, others criticised the governor, arguing that the announcement contradicted the political stance he maintained during his prolonged dispute with Wike.

Several users on X expressed disappointment over the governor’s decision, with some claiming it undermined the confidence reposed in him by supporters during the political crisis.

Others, however, argued that reconciliation between both political leaders was necessary to restore peace in Rivers State and prevent further political instability ahead of the 2027 elections.

The latest development is expected to reshape political alignments in Rivers State as parties and stakeholders begin positioning ahead of the next general elections.

Neither the Rainbow Coalition nor the office of the FCT Minister had issued an official statement on the governor’s declaration as of the time of filing this report.