The Rivers State chapter of the Labour Party has expressed its support for the Rainbow Coalition, a political platform championed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The party's chairman, Fredrick Nwoje, announced this position at a press conference in Port Harcourt. He described the coalition as an inclusive platform that brings together leaders from different political parties. This move is seen as a significant endorsement of Wike's efforts to unite politicians across party lines.
According to Nwoje, the involvement of politicians from various parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress, and Labour Party, demonstrates Wike's ability to bring different political interests together. He commended Wike for practicing unity, saying that while others preach unity, Wike has shown that governance is bigger than party affiliation. This coalition has created an opportunity for Rivers people to participate in governance regardless of their political affiliations.
The Labour Party chairman described Wike as the National Leader of the Rainbow Coalition and commended his support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid. This endorsement comes at a time when the APC Governors Forum has expressed concerns about political arrangements involving members of rival parties ahead of the 2027 elections. The forum's opposition to the coalition has sparked a reaction from Nwoje, who criticised the governors' position.
Nwoje accused the APC governors of attacking Wike rather than confronting his political influence directly. He challenged them to come out openly and campaign against Wike and his coalition if they think he has no political value. Nwoje also alleged that some former governors were lobbying against Wike at the Presidential Villa. However, he expressed confidence that President Tinubu is capable of recognising those contributing to his administration.
The Labour Party chairman assured members and candidates across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State that the party would not be sidelined in the coalition. He described the Labour Party as a major stakeholder in the arrangement and expected the party to receive its fair share and rightful place within the coalition. This assurance is likely to alleviate concerns among Labour Party members about their role in the coalition.
Nwoje urged Rivers residents, particularly young people, to support the Rainbow Coalition, saying it could contribute to peace and development in the state. He believes that the coalition's inclusive nature and Wike's leadership can bring about positive change in Rivers State. The endorsement by the Labour Party is seen as a significant boost to Wike's coalition-building efforts.
The Rivers LP's support for the Rainbow Coalition is a notable development in the state's politics, especially given the opposition from the APC Governors Forum. As the 2027 elections approach, it remains to be seen how this coalition will shape the state's political landscape. One thing is clear, however: the Labour Party's endorsement of Wike's coalition has added a new dimension to the state's politics.
Key points
- The Rivers State chapter of the Labour Party has backed the Rainbow Coalition being championed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
- The coalition has been described as an inclusive political platform bringing together leaders from different parties.
- The endorsement comes amid opposition to the coalition from the APC Governors Forum, which has expressed concern about political arrangements involving members of rival parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
