The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that Rivers State is already secured for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, describing the statement as a sign of anxiety over the growing strength of the opposition.
Wike, during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, had insisted that Rivers State would deliver President Tinubu in the next presidential election. He also dismissed the political relevance of former Rivers State Governor and ADC vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, saying the former governor lacked the electoral influence to determine the outcome of elections in the state.
Responding, the ADC said Wike’s comments reflected apprehension within the ruling camp over the increasing acceptance of the opposition by Nigerians.
The Rivers State Chairman of the ADC, Dr. Chukwudi Dimkpa, said no individual could lay claim to the votes of Rivers people, stressing that only the electorate would determine who emerges victorious in the 2027 presidential election.
He said the party remained focused on strengthening its grassroots structures, mobilising support across the state and presenting credible candidates capable of addressing Nigeria’s economic and governance challenges.
Dimkpa also rejected Wike’s remarks against Amaechi, maintaining that the former governor remained a significant political figure whose relevance could not be dismissed through political rhetoric.
According to him, Rivers voters are politically conscious and would make their choices based on competence, credibility and performance rather than political intimidation or personal attacks.
The ADC further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations and the media to ensure the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in 2027.
The party also pledged to intensify voter education, election monitoring and the training of party agents to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
Wike had maintained that Rivers State remained firmly aligned with President Tinubu and challenged opposition parties to reconsider their expectations of winning the state’s votes in the next general election.
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