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, describing the political arrangement as an inclusive platform bringing together leaders across party lines.
The party’s position comes amid opposition to the coalition from the APC Governors Forum, which has rejected political arrangements it believes could undermine the party’s candidates in the 2027 elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Chairman of the Labour Party, Fredrick Nwoje, described the coalition as a model of inclusive governance and progressive politics.
Nwoje said the recent consultations and composition of the political grouping, involving leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the All Progressives Congress, APC, the Labour Party and other stakeholders, demonstrated Wike’s political influence and ability to bring different interests together.
“What Chief Wike has demonstrated with his rainbow coalition is that governance is bigger than party. While others preach unity, he practices it.”
He said the coalition had created political space for competent Rivers people regardless of their party affiliation, stressing that the interest of the state should take precedence over individual party interests.
Nwoje also described Wike as the National Leader of the Rainbow Coalition and commended his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
However, the Labour Party chairman criticised the recent position of the APC Governors Forum on Wike and the coalition.
He described the governors’ stance as a manifestation of political fear and envy, accusing them of attacking Wike rather than openly challenging his political influence.
“If they think Chief Wike has no political value, stop crying behind closed doors. Come out openly to the political field, campaign against him and his coalition.”
Nwoje also alleged that some former governors were lobbying at the Presidential Villa against the FCT Minister, but said President Tinubu was capable of recognising those contributing to his administration.
On the Labour Party’s role in the coalition, Nwoje assured party members and candidates across the 23 Local Government Areas that the party remained a major stakeholder and would not be sidelined.
“Labour Party is not a spectator in this coalition. We are a major stakeholder.”
He further assured members that the party would receive what he described as its fair share and rightful place within the coalition.
Nwoje called on Rivers residents, particularly youths, to support the Rainbow Coalition in the interest of peace and development in the state.
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