RIVERS ADC CHALLENGES WIKE OVER CLAIM OF EARLY VICTORY AGAINST AMAECHI

The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress has fired back at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following his claim that former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi would be defeated by noon on election day. The ADC dismissed the remark, insisting that elections are decided by voters rather than political declarations, intimidation or claims of victory made ahead of the ballot.

The party's Rivers State Chairman, Chukwudi Dimkpa, argued that no politician should assume victory before the people have exercised their constitutional right to vote. He said the 2027 election would ultimately be determined by the choices of Rivers residents, rather than the influence or political strength of individuals seeking to control the outcome. The ADC maintained that voters should be allowed to assess candidates and parties before making their decisions at the polls.

Dimkpa also criticised what the party described as attempts to use political influence and public pronouncements to create the impression that the outcome of the 2027 election had already been decided. According to the ADC, such an approach does not reflect democratic principles and could amount to underestimating the electorate. The party said Rivers voters were capable of making independent choices based on their expectations, interests and assessment of the competing political platforms.

The exchange adds another layer to the growing political contest in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections, with Wike and Amaechi remaining prominent figures in the state's political landscape. The ADC's response suggests that the party intends to position itself as an alternative to the established political blocs while challenging attempts by political heavyweights to dominate the narrative surrounding the next election.

The party urged politicians to focus on presenting credible programmes and convincing voters instead of relying on boasts, threats or political calculations. It maintained that the final decision would rest with the electorate when the ballots are cast, stressing that no individual or political group could legitimately claim the people's mandate before the election takes place.