Rivers Labour faction says it was not consulted on Rainbow Coalition

The Labour Party structure represented by former South-South national vice-chairman Favour Reuben in Rivers State is not part of the proposed Rainbow Coalition, he says. Reuben told Punch that no one had consulted his faction or held a meeting to discuss the coalition. He said a political party could not simply be announced as a coalition member without agreement on its role, candidates and message.

He also questioned the opposition’s preparedness for the 2027 elections, saying parties were concentrating too heavily on Abuja and social media. In his view, electoral success requires structures at polling units, wards, local governments and state levels. Reuben said candidate popularity could not substitute for mobilisation, voter contact and monitoring at polling stations.

He urged opposition parties to identify supporters, understand local concerns and begin political education. He said criticism of President Bola Tinubu was legitimate but insufficient. Opposition parties should explain how they would address unemployment, insecurity and economic hardship, he argued.

Reuben said a coalition would not guarantee victory unless parties agreed on leadership, candidates, operating arrangements and a common message. He added that the Labour Party faction he represents would need to be engaged directly before joining any alliance.