The PDP-led Rainbow Coalition in Bayelsa has unveiled its campaign timetable for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, pledging to mobilise grassroots support across the state.
The timetable, according to a statement by Hon Ikaebimo Mark, Publicity Secretary
PDP, Bayelsa provides for the inauguration of the Bayelsa State Rainbow Coalition Council on Nov. 9, following three days of fasting and prayers from Nov. 5 to 7.
The timetable also schedules a campaign dedication and thanksgiving service for Nov. 8.
The coalition said mobilisation and distribution of campaign materials, including T-shirts, face caps and banners, would take place between Nov. 10 and 15.
Campaign flag-off ceremonies and presentation of coalition flags to candidates across Bayelsa’s three senatorial districts are scheduled for Nov. 17 to 21.
The timetable also fixed Dec. 12 for the grand finale, formal adoption and endorsement of Tinubu as the presidential candidate of the PDP and other parties within the coalition.
Chief Alabh George Turnah, PDP chairman in Bayelsa, said the coalition would leverage the party’s grassroots support to mobilise votes for Tinubu and its candidates.
Turnah described the integration of the National Rainbow Coalition into Tinubu’s re-election campaign as a strategic political move capable of attracting votes across party lines.
He said the coalition would showcase the benefits of the President’s development agenda, particularly projects executed by the Niger Delta Development Commission in Bayelsa.
According to him, the coalition will mobilise its members across the state’s 105 wards to secure substantial votes for Tinubu.
Turnah said the PDP’s grassroots appeal in Bayelsa would strengthen the President’s re-election prospects, adding that the coalition was taking the lead in the campaign.
He described it as too risky to leave Tinubu’s re-election campaign entirely in the hands of the state APC leadership, which he said lacked sufficient grassroots appeal in some communities.
Turnah, however, urged the APC leadership to regard the Rainbow Coalition as a partner rather than a rival in the effort to secure Tinubu’s victory.
He called on the party to work with the coalition to mobilise voters and defeat opposition parties in the state.
Turnah also linked the coalition’s role to Tinubu’s confidence in its national leader and patron, Chief Nyesom Wike, who was appointed coordinator of the President’s campaign in Rivers and the Federal Capital Territory.