The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), **Nyesom Wike**, that Rivers State is already secured for President **Bola Ahmed Tinubu** ahead of the 2027 general election, describing the remarks as evidence of growing concern within the ruling camp over the rising popularity of the opposition.
Wike, during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, expressed confidence that Rivers State would deliver its votes to President Tinubu in the next presidential election. He also downplayed the political relevance of former Rivers State Governor and ADC vice-presidential candidate, **Rotimi Amaechi**, insisting that the former governor no longer possesses the electoral influence to determine the outcome of elections in the state.
Reacting to the minister’s comments, the ADC said the remarks reflected anxiety over the increasing acceptance of opposition parties by Nigerians ahead of the 2027 polls.
The Rivers State Chairman of the ADC, **Dr. Chukwudi Dimkpa**, said no individual could claim ownership of the votes of Rivers people, stressing that the electorate alone would decide who emerges victorious in the next presidential election.
According to Dimkpa, the party remains committed to strengthening its grassroots structures, expanding its support base across the state and presenting credible candidates capable of addressing the nation’s economic and governance challenges.
He also rejected Wike’s dismissal of Amaechi’s political influence, maintaining that the former governor remains a formidable political figure whose relevance cannot be erased through political rhetoric.
Dimkpa further stated that Rivers voters are politically enlightened and would base their decisions on competence, credibility and proven performance rather than intimidation, propaganda or personal attacks.
The ADC called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations and the media to uphold the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that the 2027 general election is free, fair and credible.
The party added that it would intensify voter education, strengthen election monitoring mechanisms and train its party agents to safeguard the sanctity of the ballot.
Wike had maintained that Rivers State remains firmly aligned with President Tinubu and challenged opposition parties to abandon any expectation of winning the state’s votes in the 2027 general election.
