The political reconciliation process in Rivers State has taken another step forward after Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and key members of the Rainbow Coalition met with Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Port Harcourt.
The closed-door meeting, which reportedly took place at Fubara’s private residence on Tuesday, brought together political figures from previously divided camps, including the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Kingsley Chinda, and former senator Magnus Abe.
Meeting focuses on 2027 political alignment
Although Wike and Fubara did not address journalists after the meeting, sources said the engagement was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen reconciliation among political actors in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The discussions are reportedly centred on building a common political front, with the coalition backing Chinda for the Rivers governorship and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term.
The meeting also featured several former allies of Fubara, including former Chief of Staff Edison Ehie, former Obio/Akpor council chairman Chijioke Ihunwo and former Port Harcourt mayor Ezebunwo Ichemati, according to sources cited by Vanguard.
From political crisis to reconciliation
The latest development comes after years of political tension between Wike and Fubara, whose relationship deteriorated after Fubara became governor in 2023.
Their disagreement spread into the Rivers State House of Assembly and divided politicians and supporters into rival camps.
However, the political atmosphere has changed considerably in recent months. Fubara has publicly backed the Rainbow Coalition and endorsed Chinda as its preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The coalition’s reconciliation committee, headed by Magnus Abe, has also held several meetings with Fubara as part of efforts to bring the different political factions together. The committee previously said significant progress had been made and assured members that they would not be victimised because of their past political differences.
Political stakeholders divided over arrangement
Despite the renewed rapprochement, the emerging political arrangement has not been without criticism.
Some observers have questioned the need for reconciliation between the former political allies, arguing that the current alliance is largely driven by the strategic calculations surrounding the 2027 election.
The Rainbow Coalition, meanwhile, continues to consolidate its structure across the state as the election approaches.
With Wike and Fubara now appearing on the same political platform, Tuesday’s meeting could further shape the balance of power in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 polls.
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