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Original Research Article

Coalition Communication and Governance in Rivers State: A Study of Political Realignment and Rainbow Politics

EZE, George Ogazi Mani

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EZE, George Ogazi Mani Corresponding Author

Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Humanities, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

ORCID: 0009-0008-6765-6123

Correspondence: george.eze@iaue.edu.ng

Received
30 Sep 2026
Published
10 Oct 2026

Abstract

This study explored the dynamics of coalition communication and governance in Rivers State, focusing specifically on political realignment and the concept of Rainbow Politics. It was driven by four main objectives. A qualitative research approach was employed, gathering data through semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis. A critical case purposive sampling technique was used to select a diverse group of political actors, party officials, journalists, political analysts, and other stakeholders who possess valuable insights into coalition politics in Rivers State. The data were analysed thematically, aligning with the research objectives. The findings indicated that political consultations, negotiations, public speeches, media interactions, and strategic messaging are key communication tools for both forming and sustaining coalitions. Additionally, the study found that political communication plays a crucial role in explaining and legitimising political realignment by crafting narratives centered on unity, cooperation, and shared interests. Coalition politics was shown to significantly influence governance, decision-making, and accountability, while Rainbow Politics carries important implications for political stability and democratic inclusiveness. The study concludes that coalition communication is an ongoing strategic process through which political actors negotiate interests, build legitimacy, rally support, and manage their political relationships. The Spectrum Coalition Model serves as a fitting framework for understanding these complex processes of political alignment, realignment, and coalition governance in Rivers State.

Keywords: Coalition Communication, Governance, Political Realignment, Rainbow Politics, Spectrum Coalition Model.
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How to Cite

APA

EZE, G. O. M. (2026). Coalition Communication and Governance in Rivers State: A Study of Political Realignment and Rainbow Politics. British Journal of Advanced Research, 1(4), Article 028. https://doi.org/10.68263/BJAR-TUCRWNVH

MLA

EZE, George Ogazi Mani. "Coalition Communication and Governance in Rivers State: A Study of Political Realignment and Rainbow Politics." British Journal of Advanced Research, vol. 1, no. 4, 2026, article 028. DOI: https://doi.org/10.68263/BJAR-TUCRWNVH

Chicago

EZE, George Ogazi Mani. "Coalition Communication and Governance in Rivers State: A Study of Political Realignment and Rainbow Politics." British Journal of Advanced Research 1, no. 4 (2026): 028. https://doi.org/10.68263/BJAR-TUCRWNVH

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Metadata
ISSN 3153-709X
Tracking ID BJAR_SEP_26_083
Article No. 028
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Article Info
Journal BJAR
Volume Vol 1, No 4
Year 2026
Type Original Research Article
Licence CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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