As political realignments gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, some prominent loyalists of Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, have returned to the political camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, through the Rainbow Coalition.
The latest defections involve Darlington Orji and Collins Onunwo, both of whom played key roles in Fubara's political structure during the prolonged crisis between the governor and his former political ally, Wike.
Orji served as Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area in 2024 before his appointment as Special Adviser on Political Affairs in January 2026. Onunwo previously served as Commissioner for Transport under the Fubara administration.
Their return to Wike's camp has generated mixed reactions across Rivers State. While some political observers view the move as a departure from Fubara's camp, others argue it aligns with the reconciliation between the governor and the FCT minister, saying the earlier political divide has eased.
There are also indications that leaders of the Rainbow Coalition are making efforts to attract other influential figures who were once aligned with Fubara, including former Chief of Staff Edison Ehie, former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, and Ichemati Ezebunwo.
Meanwhile, reports that former Obio/Akpor Local Government Chairman, Chijoke Ihunwo, had also returned to Wike's camp were dismissed by the former council boss.
In a statement, Ihunwo described the reports as false and unverified, urging the public to rely on official information.
"The image circulating on social media appears to be based on speculation rather than verified facts.
"The public is advised to disregard unsubstantiated reports and rely only on official communications from me or credible news organisations before drawing conclusions.
"In an era of misinformation, it is important to verify information before sharing it. Let's promote responsible journalism and avoid spreading fake news."
Commenting on the developments, broadcast journalist Preye Izogu said the return of Orji and Onunwo to Wike's political camp has raised questions about whether other prominent members of the Simplified Movement could make similar decisions.
He noted that if such defections occur, they could either be interpreted as a shift in political loyalty or as a reflection of Governor Fubara's repeated calls for reconciliation and peace in Rivers State.
Speaking on Voice of the City, a programme on Square Radio TV, Darlington Orji rejected claims that he betrayed Governor Fubara.
According to him, every political decision he made was based on directives from the governor. He claimed that during a meeting with political associates on June 3, 2026, Fubara instructed his supporters to back all APC candidates from the federal to the state levels ahead of the elections.
Orji maintained that his actions were consistent with those instructions and insisted they could not be regarded as betrayal.
He also disclosed that leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had approached him to join the party but said he declined the invitations, choosing instead to remain in the political camp he belonged to before the Rivers political crisis.
Orji further stated that despite the disagreements that characterised the political crisis in Rivers State, he never made derogatory remarks against Wike.
He urged political leaders and stakeholders to focus on reconciliation, peace and the development of the state rather than revisiting past political disputes.
