By Peter Omopo
A former Caretaker Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo, has pledged his support for the Rainbow Coalition and declared his readiness to mobilise for President Bola Tinubu and other candidates endorsed by the alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ihunwo, a former strong ally of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara during the prolonged political crisis in the state, said his decision was influenced by the governor’s recent call for reconciliation and political unity.
Speaking during an interview on Beyond the Headlines, Ihunwo said he was following Fubara’s directive to support the coalition as part of efforts to sustain peace in Rivers State.
“Our governor has said there is peace in Rivers State and that we need to move on. If you truly support him, you should join him in the Rainbow Coalition. That is what we are doing for peace to reign in our state,” he said.
Ihunwo said Fubara had directed his supporters to work with the coalition and support President Tinubu as well as other candidates endorsed by the alliance.
“I am following the governor because he is my principal. Whatever he asks me to do, that is what I will do. We are going to work together to ensure that all the members of the Rainbow Coalition are elected, including Mr President,” he stated.
The former council chairman said he would return to Obio/Akpor to begin mobilisation and grassroots engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
He maintained that his support for the coalition should not be interpreted as a betrayal of the governor, insisting that it was part of his commitment to Fubara’s reconciliation efforts and the restoration of political stability in Rivers State.
According to Ihunwo, all supporters of the governor should embrace the reconciliation initiative and work towards preserving peace, stability and development in the state.
His declaration adds to the growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly in Rivers State, where former political rivals have increasingly moved towards reconciliation and new alliances.
