The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reportedly met with some prominent Rivers State political figures in Spain as preparations intensify for the 2027 governorship election.
The meeting was said to have been attended by the APC governorship candidate in Rivers State, Kingsley Ogundu Chinda; Executive Director of Projects and Infrastructural Development, South South Development Commission, Chief Marcus Nle Ejii; and the Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Senator Mao Ohabunwa.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara was reportedly not part of the meeting, despite his recent identification with the political coalition involving some of the stakeholders.
Details of the discussions were not disclosed, but the gathering came barely a day after the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 governorship election, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The Rivers political scene has witnessed renewed manoeuvring ahead of the poll, with major actors working to consolidate their positions and alliances before the election.
Wike, a former Rivers governor, had earlier endorsed Chinda as his preferred candidate to succeed Fubara, further fuelling speculation about the political direction of the former governor’s camp.
Chinda, who currently represents his constituency in the House of Representatives, is contesting the governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
The reported Spain meeting is coming at a time when political alignments are gradually taking shape in Rivers State, with parties and influential politicians expected to intensify consultations ahead of the election.
The 2027 Rivers governorship poll is scheduled for February 6, 2027, with the early commencement of campaign activities expected to usher in increased political activity across the state.