The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the party is prepared to resist electoral malpractice.
The party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Gabriel Pidomson, gave the warning on Monday in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the ADC governorship campaign council.
Pidomson expressed confidence in the party’s growing political strength, alleging that some political actors were becoming concerned about its activities ahead of the elections. He specifically mentioned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he accused of closely monitoring the party’s movements across the state.
According to the ADC candidate, his recent visit to Bonny for a radio programme and engagements with residents was followed by Wike’s visit to the area the next day.
Pidomson maintained that the party would respond to emerging political challenges with determination and would not allow its electoral mandate to be compromised.
He also alleged that arrangements were already being made to fill positions for Supervisory Presiding Officers in Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor local government areas. He warned that the party would oppose any move it considered an attempt to manipulate the electoral process.
The governorship candidate further claimed that some security personnel were undergoing training abroad in preparation for the elections. However, he did not provide independent evidence to substantiate the allegation.
Despite the concerns he raised, Pidomson expressed confidence that the ADC would win Rivers State in 2027, assuring party supporters that its campaign structure was being strengthened to meet the challenges ahead.
He disclosed that the campaign council comprises more than 600 members at the state level, with over 6,000 members across local government areas and other grassroots structures.
Pidomson described the arrangement as one of the largest campaign structures in the state’s political history, adding that the members were selected to handle different aspects of the party’s campaign activities.
He urged members to remain committed, courageous and focused on mobilising support for the party ahead of the elections.
Earlier, the Rivers State ADC chairman, Dr. Chukwudi Dimkpa, formally inaugurated the campaign council and charged members to demonstrate discipline, unity and loyalty to the party.
Dimkpa said the council would coordinate the governorship campaign under the leadership of Senator Andrew Uchendu as chairman and Hon. Chimbiko Akarolo as director-general.
He explained that the council was expected to operate in line with the party’s constitution, its approved terms of reference and the laws of Nigeria, while remaining subject to the authority of the state party leadership.
In his response, Uchendu pledged the council’s commitment to securing electoral success for the ADC and called on party members to support its campaign efforts.
He urged members to take the party’s message to communities across Rivers State, including its 390 wards and 686 polling units, as part of efforts to build grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
