The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, has declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, will fail to secure up to 10% of the total votes cast in Rivers State in the upcoming presidential election.

Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers State, also asserted that no gubernatorial candidate outside of the state's "Rainbow Coalition" would emerge victorious in the 2027 general elections.

He made these remarks on Saturday during a luncheon held in honor of the coalition's candidates in Port Harcourt.

The Rainbow Coalition Framework

The Rainbow Coalition is a political alliance in Rivers State comprising members from four major political parties:

• All Progressives Congress (APC)

• Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

• Action Alliance (AA)

• Labour Party (LP)

Wike explained that the coalition will ultimately select its consensus gubernatorial candidate from among the contenders representing these four parties. He dismissed speculations of a predetermined choice, clarifying that Hon. Ogundu Kingsley Chinda has not been automatically anointed as the consensus candidate.

Criticisms of Opposing Parties

Dismissing the electoral viability of rival parties, Wike claimed that the ADC and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) lack practical experience in conducting successful campaigns.

"ADC and NDC have not run elections before. They do not understand elections; they only understand defection," Wike stated. "This is the time they will see election practice. They will have the experience and see what is in an election, starting from Rivers State."

Wike also questioned the political commitment of opposition figures, arguing that loyalty should be demonstrated through electoral delivery rather than media appearances or courtesy visits.

Reflecting on past election cycles, Wike noted that Atiku Abubakar failed to secure 10% of the votes in Rivers State during the 2023 polls. He emphasized that the coalition aims to keep the ADC's vote share below that threshold in the next cycle, stating that anything higher would signal a lapse in the coalition's grassroots mobilization.

Commendation of Rivers Lawmakers

The Minister concluded by praising the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, alongside his colleagues, for their resilience during recent political tensions in the state.

Wike commended the lawmakers for defending democratic institutions and resisting lawlessness, asserting that their actions secured a vital place for them in the political history of Rivers State.