The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said no politician can secure victory in the 2027 elections through boasts, intimidation, falsehoods or empty promises to the people.
The party was reacting to comments attributed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who, during a civic reception organised in his honour by the City Boy Movement at Omagwa on Saturday, claimed that Rotimi Amaechi, the ADC vice-presidential candidate, would be defeated by noon on election day.
Responding in a statement issued on Monday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State ADC Chairman, Dr Chukwudi Dimkpa, said Wike’s confidence was misplaced, stressing that elections are decided by voters and not political declarations.
“Elections are not won through boasts, intimidation or political strongmen announcing results ahead of time. Rivers people will vote, the votes will be counted, and INEC, not Wike, will announce the winner,” Dimkpa said.
He also criticised Wike’s appearance at Omagwa, describing the event as an inappropriate display of political rivalry.
Dimkpa alleged that Wike and the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo, used the occasion of Amaechi’s mother’s burial to hold a political reception, causing traffic disruption and subsequently attacking the former governor.
According to him, the development was “insensitive, provocative and embarrassing,” particularly as people from different parts of the country were travelling to Ubima to mourn with the Amaechi family.
The ADC chairman said there should be a distinction between political activities and moments of humanity.
He added that the party deliberately refrained from responding to Wike’s comments on Saturday because its priority was ensuring a dignified burial for Amaechi’s mother, Dame Ezinne Amaechi.
Dimkpa further warned that Rivers State belongs to all its citizens and that no individual or political group owns the people or their votes.
“Nobody owns the people, nobody owns their votes, and certainly, nobody can declare an election result by 12 noon,” he said.
He urged Rivers residents not to be intimidated by any politician ahead of the 2027 elections, encouraging them to vote for a credible leader capable of improving their lives.
Earlier, Wike had told supporters at the reception that candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition would emerge victorious in the 2027 elections.
