RAINBOW COALITION WILL REDEFINE DEMOCRATIC POLITICS, PROMOTE PEACEFUL COMPETITION AND DELIVER BETTER GOVERNANCE FOR NIGERIANS - TURNAH

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bayelsa State, Hon. Barr. Alabh George Turnah, MON, has described the emerging Rainbow Coalition as a bold political initiative designed to deepen democratic values, foster peaceful political engagement, and provide Nigerians with a leadership committed to national unity, development, and good governance.

Speaking on Channels Television's Morning Brief on Wednesday, Turnah said Abuja, as the nation's capital, has continued to serve as a meeting point for patriotic Nigerians committed to building a stronger and more united country, noting that the Rainbow Coalition has brought together leaders and political stakeholders who share a common vision for the progress of Nigeria.

According to him, the coalition seeks to move Nigerian politics away from unnecessary bitterness, violence, and hostility by encouraging healthy political competition built on dialogue, consensus, and the overriding interest of the people.

He noted that the era when the emergence of candidates within political parties was often characterised by rancour and avoidable conflict must give way to a more mature democratic culture where leadership selection is peaceful, transparent, and driven by competence, capacity, and acceptability.

Turnah explained that under the Rainbow Coalition, political parties would retain their individual identities and internal structures while collaborating through mutual understanding to identify and support the most suitable candidates capable of providing effective leadership for Nigeria.

He stated that the arrangement is intended to strengthen democracy rather than weaken political parties, adding that it creates a platform where merit, experience, and national interest take precedence over personal ambition and political rivalry.

"The essence of the Rainbow Coalition is to make politics less confrontational and more people-centred. Public office is about service, not warfare. Democracy should not be a do-or-die affair. It should resemble healthy competition where the ultimate beneficiaries are the Nigerian people," he said.

Turnah commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, who is the leading advocate of the coalition, saying his commitment to dialogue and political stability has contributed significantly to the emergence of the initiative.

Speaking on Bayelsa State, the PDP Chairman disclosed that preparations were at an advanced stage for the formal unveiling of the Rainbow Coalition in the state, expressing confidence that it would attract broad participation from political stakeholders across party lines.

He stated that the coalition was already generating widespread interest in Bayelsa and maintained that its inauguration in the state would mark another significant milestone in the effort to build a broad-based political movement anchored on development, inclusion, and responsible leadership.

On the 2027 presidential election, Turnah clarified that the Rainbow Coalition has not adopted any presidential candidate, stressing that such a decision would be taken collectively by the coalition's leadership at the appropriate time.

He, however, reaffirmed that the Peoples Democratic Party has already nominated Prof. Sandy Onor as its presidential candidate, describing him as a leader with the character, competence, administrative experience, and national outlook required to lead Nigeria.

He further maintained that the PDP remains one of Africa's strongest political parties with the capacity, structure, and nationwide acceptance to successfully compete in future elections.

Addressing governance in Bayelsa State, Turnah reiterated that the Bayelsa PDP would continue to engage the state government constructively on issues affecting the welfare of citizens, particularly hunger, unemployment, poverty, and economic hardship.

He emphasised that the opposition has a constitutional responsibility to hold government accountable while offering practical alternatives that will improve the living conditions of the people.

Turnah expressed optimism that the Rainbow Coalition would contribute to a more peaceful political environment and ultimately help produce a government that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians through inclusive leadership, national unity, and sustainable development.