…Applauds Wike For Enthroning Inclusive Democratic Culture

The Niger Delta Development Ambassadors (NDDA) has endorsed Kingsley Ogundu Chinda (aka OK Chinda) as a consensus candidate of the emerging “Rainbow Coalition” ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State.

The group said Chinda possesses the political experience, legislative exposure, and cross-party acceptability required to consolidate the coalition’s broader objective of stability, inclusive governance, and development in the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by King David Attah, national president of the organisation, the NDDA also commended Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for his role in fostering a more inclusive democratic culture through the coalition arrangement currently gaining momentum in Rivers politics.

The organisation described the Rainbow Coalition as a strategic political alignment involving multiple political interests and parties working together beyond partisan divisions for the collective development of Rivers state.

According to the group, the coalition model reflects political maturity and could help reduce the prolonged tensions and divisive politics that have affected governance and democratic stability in the state in recent years.

“The Rainbow Coalition represents a significant shift from politics driven solely by rivalry and exclusion to a broader culture of accommodation, consultation, and collective responsibility,” the statement read.

“We commend the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for encouraging a political environment where different political tendencies can work together in pursuit of stability and development.”

The group said Chinda, who currently represents Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has remained one of the few political figures with relationships cutting across various blocs in Rivers politics.

According to the NDDA, his experience within the National Assembly and his understanding of governance, lawmaking, and public administration position him as a credible figure capable of sustaining political balance within the coalition structure.

The organisation added that Rivers State requires leadership capable of unifying competing political interests while prioritising infrastructure, economic growth, youth development, and security.

“Rt Hon Kingsley Chinda has demonstrated capacity, political maturity, and the ability to engage across divides. At this critical point in Rivers politics, the state requires consensus builders rather than politicians driven by bitterness and endless conflict,” Attah said.

The group also praised the conduct of the APC primaries in Rivers state, describing the process so far as peaceful, orderly, and reflective of growing democratic maturity among political stakeholders.

According to the NDDA, the relatively calm atmosphere surrounding the primaries contrasts sharply with the tension and instability that have historically characterised political contests in the state.

The organisation urged political actors across party lines to sustain the atmosphere of restraint and cooperation as alignments ahead of 2027 continue to evolve.

It added that the success of the Rainbow Coalition would ultimately depend on its ability to place governance, development, and the welfare of Rivers people above narrow political interests.

The group further called on youths and community leaders in the state to support initiatives capable of promoting peace, political inclusion, and long-term stability ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The member representing Biu/Bayo/Kwaya Kusar/Shani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mukhtar Betara, has secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket to contest for another term ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reacting after the primary election, Betara thanked supporters across the constituency for what he described as overwhelming love and confidence in his leadership.

“The love and support shown by my people today were truly overwhelming and deeply heartfelt. With every passing day, our vision grows stronger, clearer, and more impactful,” he wrote on his social media handle.

The lawmaker said the outcome of the primary reflected the collective will of the people and reaffirmed his commitment to continue serving the constituency.

“Today, once again, I have heard your voices loud and clear, and I remain fully committed to serving you at all times,” he stated.

Betara described the victory as historic, adding that his dedication to the welfare and development of the constituency would become even stronger in the coming years.

“The historic and remarkable victory recorded through your collective voices speaks volumes. My priority has always been to serve you in every way possible, and in the years ahead, that commitment will only become stronger,” he added.

The federal lawmaker also used the opportunity to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027, saying the support shown during the primaries reflected confidence in the administration’s policies and direction.

“President Tinubu deserves the opportunity to consolidate on the impactful vision and policies he has continued to build for the growth, progress, and betterment of Nigeria. Indeed, there is a clear light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

Betara concluded by appreciating party members and supporters for their trust and loyalty, assuring them that their support would always be valued and reciprocated.

In a display of faith and political solidarity, constituents across Niger State on Saturday organised special prayer sessions for Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, popularly known as Sani Musa 313, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the countdown to party primaries and general elections gathers momentum.

The high-profile intercessory programme was hosted by the United Niger Christian Forum in Niger State under the leadership of its President, Rev. Joshua Adams.

Christians from different denominations converged in Minna to seek divine intervention, protection, and victory for the three leaders whom they described as divinely positioned agents of transformation.

Rev. Joshua Adams, while addressing the gathering, delivered a passionate message that spanned several key areas of leadership, governance, and national development.

He began by highlighting the spiritual foundation required for effective leadership in Nigeria.

“Today, we have come together not just as Christians but as concerned citizens who understand that no meaningful progress can be achieved without the hand of God upon our leaders,” Rev. Adams said.

“We stand here to commit Senator Sani Musa 313, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into the mighty hands of the Almighty for wisdom, strength, and victory in all their endeavours.”

The cleric praised Senator Sani Musa 313 for his outstanding representation of the Niger East Senatorial District. He noted the senator’s consistent advocacy for youth empowerment, education, and infrastructural development in the zone.

“Senator Sani Musa 313 has been a tireless champion for our people,” Rev. Adams continued. “Through his various intervention programmes in skills acquisition, scholarship awards, and rural infrastructure, he has touched thousands of lives.

“We pray that God will crown his efforts with greater success and return him with landslide victory to continue his good works.”

Turning to Governor Bago, Rev. Adams extolled the governor’s agricultural revolution and urban renewal efforts that have begun to change the face of Niger State.

“Under Governor Bago’s leadership, Niger State is witnessing a new dawn in agriculture and food security,” he stated.

“His administration’s focus on irrigation farming, mechanisation, and support for farmers has positioned the state as a potential food basket for the nation. We are praying for divine enablement so he can complete his vision of a prosperous and secure Niger State.”

Rev. Adams further emphasised the governor’s commitment to infrastructure, education, and healthcare delivery across the three senatorial zones.

“The massive road constructions, school renovations, and hospital upgrades under this administration are testimonies that God is using Governor Bago for a purpose,” Adams added.

“We reject every satanic plan against his government and declare divine protection and success in the forthcoming elections.”

On President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Forum President spoke extensively about the Renewed Hope Agenda and the bold reforms being implemented despite national challenges.

“President Tinubu has shown rare courage in taking difficult but necessary decisions to reposition Nigeria’s economy,” Rev. Adams declared.

“His administration’s focus on security, economic diversification, and infrastructure development across all regions gives us hope for a better Nigeria. We are interceding for sustained wisdom and strength for him to deliver on his promises.

“We believe that leadership is a divine assignment. As we pray for these three leaders, we also pray for peaceful primaries across all political parties.

“Let there be no violence, no rigging, and no manipulation. Let the will of God and the will of the people prevail.”

The reverend gentleman stressed the Forum’s non-partisan stance while affirming their support for performance-driven leadership.

“Our prayer is not about party affiliation but about good governance and service to humanity,” Rev. Adams explained.

“Where leaders perform, the people must support them through prayers and at the polls. Senator Sani Musa 313, Governor Bago, and President Tinubu have shown capacity, and we stand with them.”

He concluded his address by calling for sustained prayers beyond the prayer session.

“We shall not relent in interceding for these leaders until victory is fully delivered,” Rev. Adams assured. “Niger State and Nigeria shall rise again through the leadership of these men. The best is yet to come for our dear state and country.”

Rev. Joshua Adams sealed the powerful prayer session with a quotation from the Holy Scriptures: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

This biblical charge, he said, remains the foundation for the Forum’s continued intercession for the success, protection, and re-election of Senator 313, Governor Bago, and President Tinubu.

The United Niger Christian Forum pledged to organise similar prayer programmes across local government areas in the state in the coming weeks to sustain the spiritual cover for the leaders and the democratic process.