The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed as empty boasts the claim by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike that the party's vice presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, would be eliminated from contention by noon on election day in 2027.
ADC state chairman Dr Chukwudi Dimkpa, speaking in Port Harcourt on Monday, September 7, responded to Wike's remarks made at a civic reception in Omagwa on Saturday, September 5. Wike had told supporters that all candidates fielded by the Rainbow Coalition would emerge victorious in next year's elections.
ADC Chairman: Elections Not Won by Boasts or Intimidation
Dimkpa said: "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."
The ADC chairman accused Wike of political rascality, stating that the minister's comments were designed to intimidate Rivers people ahead of the 2027 general elections.
ADC Slams Timing of Wike's Event During Amaechi's Mother's Burial
Beyond the boast itself, Dimkpa took particular exception to the circumstances surrounding the reception. He said that on the very day Amaechi was burying his mother in Ubima, with mourners travelling from across Nigeria to pay their respects, Wike and Ikwerre Local Government Area chairman Charles Wobodo chose the same route and occasion to host a political event.
According to Dimkpa, the gathering blocked part of the road, caused avoidable traffic congestion, and was then used as a platform to taunt a man in the middle of a bereavement.
"It was insensitive, provocative and embarrassing," Dimkpa said. He added that there is always a time for politics and a time for humanity. He questioned what it said about Wike's character that he could not set aside his political rivalry with Amaechi even for the few hours of a funeral.
The ADC chairman said the party deliberately chose not to respond on Saturday. "We refused to dignify the provocation with a response that day because our attention was on giving Mama a befitting burial. But Wike should understand that 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.
ADC Calls on Rivers Voters Ahead of 2027
Dimkpa urged residents of Rivers State not to allow themselves to be intimidated ahead of the 2027 general elections. He called on voters to focus on choosing a credible leader capable of delivering genuine improvements to their lives, rather than responding to the kind of political theatre he said Wike had displayed at Omagwa.
The reception was organised in Wike's honour by the City Boy Movement, and the minister used the platform to express confidence in the Rainbow Coalition's chances in next year's elections.
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Wike said he expects to be the primary political target of opposition forces should President Bola Tinubu fail to win the 2027 presidential election. Wike, who remains a card-carrying member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite actively backing Tinubu's re-election, made the remarks during a media chat.
