Rivers Voters, Not Wike, Will Decide Election – ADC Tells Minister Ahead of 2027

The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected claims that the outcome of the 2027 governorship election can be determined in advance by political influence or intimidation.

The party said the decision would ultimately rest with voters, insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), rather than any political leader, would announce the result after ballots had been cast and counted.

Rivers State ADC Chairman, Chukwudi Dimkpa, stated this in Port Harcourt on Monday while reacting to comments attributed to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Wike had reportedly declared at a civic reception held in his honour by the Ikwerre Local Government Area in Omagwa on Saturday that Rotimi Amaechi, the ADC’s vice-presidential candidate, would be defeated by 12 noon on election day.

Dimkpa described the prediction as an attempt to project political certainty over an election that had not yet taken place.

“Elections are not won by boasts, intimidation or political strongmen announcing results in advance. Rivers people will vote, the votes will be counted, and INEC, not Wike, will declare the winner,” he said.

The ADC chairman also criticised the circumstances surrounding Wike’s appearance at the reception, alleging that it took place along the route to Ubima, where Amaechi was burying his mother.

Dimkpa accused Wike and the Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Charles Wobodo, of turning the occasion into a political gathering and using it to attack Amaechi while his family was mourning.

He described the development as “insensitive, provocative and embarrassing”.

According to Dimkpa, political rivalry should not override basic considerations of humanity, arguing that there should be a distinction between periods for political activities and moments of mourning.

He said the ADC had initially chosen not to respond to the alleged provocation because its attention was focused on ensuring a befitting burial for Amaechi’s mother, Dame Ezinne Amaechi.

However, Dimkpa warned that no individual or political figure should assume ownership of Rivers State or its electorate.

“Rivers State belongs to all of us. Nobody owns the people, nobody owns their votes, and certainly, nobody can declare an election result by 12 noon,” he said.

The ADC chairman subsequently urged Rivers residents not to allow themselves to be intimidated ahead of the 2027 election.

He called on voters to assess the candidates and choose a leader they believe can improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.