Rivers LP backs Wike-led Rainbow Coalition, assures members of fair share

PORT HARCOURT: The Rivers State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has declared its support for the Rainbow Coalition led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, while expressing confidence that the party would secure its interests in the new political arrangement.

The party also called on governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support the coalition, describing it as an inclusive political initiative aimed at promoting the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

The state chairman of the LP, Hon. Comrade Fredrick Nwoje, stated this in Port Harcourt during a media parley, where he spoke on the party’s position on the emerging political alignment in Rivers State.

Nwoje said the coalition had brought together political stakeholders from different parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), APC and LP, adding that the arrangement demonstrated the possibility of political cooperation beyond party affiliations.

He described Wike’s approach as a model of inclusive politics, arguing that the coalition provided an opportunity for competent individuals from different political backgrounds to contribute to governance and development in Rivers State.

The LP chairman said the coalition was also significant to the political mobilisation for Tinubu’s re-election, urging APC governors to work with the initiative rather than oppose it.

He challenged the governors to engage the coalition through open political discussions, rather than allowing disagreements over its structure and leadership to create divisions within the ruling party.

Nwoje, who expressed confidence in Wike’s political leadership, said the coalition had the potential to strengthen cooperation among political stakeholders in Rivers State and support the President’s political ambitions.

On the LP’s participation in the arrangement, the chairman said the party was not merely an observer but a stakeholder whose interests should be recognised in decisions concerning the coalition.

He particularly assured party members, leaders and candidates across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State that their interests would be considered, urging them to remain committed to the political arrangement.

Nwoje also expressed confidence in the party’s national leadership, led by National Chairman Nenadi Esther Usman and National Secretary Iheanacho Obioma, saying they were involved in discussions concerning the coalition at the national level.

Speaking on the question of political representation and benefits within the coalition, the LP chairman assured members that the party would receive what he described as its fair share of the arrangement.

He said: “Our fair share, our rightful place and our due entitlements in this Rainbow Coalition will certainly get to us. Labour Party will not be shortchanged.”

He, however, called on Rivers people, particularly youths and LP members, to support the coalition, which he said could provide a platform for political cooperation, peace and sustained development in the state.