Wike, Fubara Meet as Rivers Rainbow Coalition Pushes for 2027 Reconciliation

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubarahave held a closed-door meeting in Port Harcourt as political stakeholders intensify efforts to consolidate reconciliation within the Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. The meeting, held at Fubara’s private residence, brought together supporters and political allies from both camps, including Senator Magnus Abe, chairman of the coalition’s reconciliation committee, and Kingsley Chinda, the APC governorship candidate in Rivers State.

The gathering followed earlier reconciliation efforts aimed at bringing Fubara and his supporters into the coalition’s political arrangement. However, the participants did not publicly disclose the details of their discussions or announce any specific agreement. Other attendees reportedly included Edison Ehie, Fubara’s former Chief of Staff; Senator George Sekibo, a former representative of Rivers East Senatorial District; and Martins Amaewhule, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Adokiye Amiesimaka, a former Rivers State Attorney-General, and Chukwuemeka Aaron, a former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, were also listed among those present.

Their attendance brought together political figures associated with different sides of Rivers State’s prolonged political dispute, although the precise roles they may play in any new arrangement remain unclear. The meeting therefore marks another reported step in the reconciliation process, rather than confirmation that all outstanding disagreements have been resolved.

The discussions come as political actors in Rivers State prepare for the 2027 elections, with the Rainbow Coalition seeking to strengthen cooperation among stakeholders and organise support around its political platform. Wike and Fubara’s relationship has been at the centre of the state’s political crisis, making their renewed engagement significant to efforts to bring their respective camps together.

Nevertheless, without an official account of the meeting, it remains unclear whether the talks produced commitments on candidate selection, campaign coordination or the future roles of the different political factions. The next test for the coalition will be whether the reconciliation effort translates into sustained cooperation beyond closed-door meetings.