The Rivers State chapter of the Labour Party has declared support for the Rainbow Coalition associated with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing the political alliance as a platform that brings together politicians across party lines.

The state party chairman, Fredrick Nwoje, made the position known during a press conference in Port Harcourt, where he said the coalition represented an approach to politics that places governance and the interests of Rivers State above individual party affiliations.

Nwoje said the coalition had brought together political actors from the Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressives Congress, Labour Party and other stakeholders. He argued that the development demonstrated Wike’s ability to bring politicians with different affiliations together.

The Labour Party chairman also described Wike as the National Leader of the Rainbow Coalition and commended his support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for another term in the 2027 presidential election. Wike has previously said his support for Tinubu does not prevent the PDP from contesting other elections.

Nwoje, however, criticised the position of the APC Governors Forum on the coalition, describing the governors’ opposition as politically motivated. He challenged those opposed to Wike’s influence to confront him openly on the political field.

The Rivers LP chairman also alleged that some former governors were lobbying against Wike at the Presidential Villa. The claim was made by Nwoje and has not been independently established, while he maintained that President Tinubu was capable of recognising individuals contributing to his administration.

On the Labour Party’s participation, Nwoje assured members and candidates across Rivers State’s 23 local government areas that the party would remain an active participant in the coalition and would not be sidelined. He also called on Rivers residents, particularly young people, to support the political alliance in the interest of peace and development.