The Labour Party (LP) of Rivers State has come out to announce its backing for the Rainbow Coalition led by the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The coalition is viewed as an instrument for ensuring inclusive governance.
The decision by the party is in the wake of opposition by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors Forum due to fear of alliances which might hinder their aspirations during the 2027 general election.
Addressing the press conference in Port Harcourt, Fredrick Nwoje, the Chairman of the Rivers State LP, stated that the coalition had brought politicians and influential people together from parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), APC and others.
Nwoje explained the move as proof of the political power of Mr Wike as well as his ability to unite politicians from various factions in an effort to achieve common goals.
The former also stated that the FCT minister was a leader of the alliance and lauded his support of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.
In his view, the alliance has enabled competent individuals from Rivers State to be involved in governance irrespective of their affiliations.
The APC governors who have not endorsed the alliance were faulted for being scared and envious.
He urged them to politically challenge Wike if they believed that the minister no longer had much influence, instead of criticising the alliance from the sidelines.
In addition, the chairman of the LP accused some former governors of fighting the minister in the Presidential Villa.
However, he stated he still had confidence that the president Tinubu will be able to tell those who are actually helping him from those who are after their own political gain.
The leader, Nwoje, also reassured members of LP in all the 23 local government areas of Rivers State that their party will not be marginalized in this coalition.
He added that the LP will equally benefit from the alliance.
He also called upon Nigerians, especially the young generation, to embrace the rainbow coalition which he said can bring about political stability and development in the area.
