Rivers governor insists his return to his political family is non-negotiable, warns against divided loyalty as Wike unveils grassroots campaign strategy ahead of forthcoming elections.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has issued a stern warning to his supporters who are unwilling to align with the Rainbow Coalition, declaring that they are free to leave if they cannot support his decision to return to his political family.

Fubara made the position clear on Thursday during the inauguration of the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council Rainbow Coalition in Port Harcourt, where he urged his political followers to embrace the new arrangement and work towards a common electoral goal.

The governor stressed that his decision to return to his political family was final, warning supporters against publicly declaring loyalty to him while secretly working against the coalition.

According to him, political disagreements and personal reservations should no longer stand in the way of the group's collective ambition.

Congratulating those appointed to the campaign council, Fubara urged members whose names were missing from the list not to feel sidelined, explaining that additional appointments could be made through sub-committees and subsequent adjustments.

He, however, maintained that genuine commitment and loyalty mattered more than occupying positions in the campaign structure.

"We still have sub-committees. The list can also be updated, so you don't have any problems to worry about. The most important thing is to work with your heart sincerely," he said.

Fubara cautioned his supporters against pretending to be part of the coalition while pursuing different political interests behind the scenes.

"Don't openly say you're with me and behold you're doing a different thing. I'm here, and I say it boldly anywhere, any day. And anybody who says he is not with me, gently go your way," the governor declared.

He acknowledged that accepting the state's changing political realities might not be easy for some of his supporters, particularly given the prolonged political crisis that has rocked Rivers State.

However, he urged them to put past disagreements behind them and concentrate on the future rather than continue revisiting old political battles.

"Don't go behind and say this is Fubara, no, no, no. I have said it. It might be difficult, but we have gone past that. We are looking at the future and what God holds for us," he added.

The governor also expressed confidence that the coalition could secure a stronger electoral performance than it achieved during the 2023 general elections if members remained united and treated the campaign as a serious responsibility.

He challenged the campaign council members to work with determination, insisting that victory was achievable with proper planning, commitment and effective coordination.

"Nothing is impossible. Provided it's something that has to do with life, it is possible if we take it as a serious responsibility, a serious task that must be achieved, we will come out with a stronger vote than what we did in 2023," Fubara said.

He expressed optimism about the coalition's prospects in the forthcoming elections, saying its campaign strategy could produce better results than previous political efforts.

Fubara also appreciated the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and other political leaders for their contributions towards establishing the campaign council.

Earlier, Wike, who inaugurated the council, announced plans to establish similar campaign structures across all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.

The FCT minister disclosed that the coalition would abandon the conventional campaign approach, which often involves gathering supporters at designated locations for rallies, in favour of direct engagement with residents at the grassroots.

He said the new strategy would involve reaching communities, families, age-grade associations and other informal groups to sell the coalition's political message.

Wike explained that repeatedly gathering familiar supporters at campaign rallies would not necessarily expand the coalition's reach or attract new voters.

"We are going away from that ceremonial campaign style. When we are going to Gokana today, we just stay in one field and begin to talk to those we already know," he said.

He added that the coalition intended to take its campaign directly to residents in their communities rather than depend solely on conventional political gatherings.

"It is going to be different. This time around we are going round to communities, to family meetings, to age-grade meetings and other informal sects to talk to them, not necessarily those we meet with every day," Wike stated.

The inauguration signals a fresh phase in the political mobilisation of the APC-led Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, with Fubara and Wike urging their supporters to work together as preparations intensify for the forthcoming elections.