2027: Rivers ADC Hits Back at Wike Over Amaechi ‘12 Noon’ Defeat Claim

The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his claim that the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, would be defeated by noon on election day in 2027.

Wike reportedly made the remark during a civic reception organised in his honour by the City Boy Movement at Omagwa on Saturday, where he also expressed confidence that candidates backed by the Rainbow Coalition would win the next elections.

Reacting in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday, Rivers ADC chairman, Dr Chukwudi Dimkpa, said elections could not be won through political boasts, intimidation or advance declarations of victory.

“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,” Dimkpa said.

The ADC chairman also criticised the timing of the Omagwa reception, alleging that it coincided with the movement of mourners to Ubima for the burial of Amaechi’s mother, Dame Ezinne Amaechi. Dimkpa accused Wike and Ikwerre Local Government Area Chairman Charles Wobodo of turning the occasion into a platform for political attacks against the former Rivers governor.

Dimkpa described the development as insensitive and provocative, arguing that political differences should not override basic human considerations. He said the ADC deliberately avoided responding to the alleged provocation on Saturday because its attention was focused on giving Amaechi’s mother a befitting burial.

He further urged Rivers residents not to be intimidated by any political figure, saying voters should be free to make their choice in the 2027 elections based on the credibility and capacity of candidates.

“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,” Dimkpa said.

The latest exchange adds to the growing political rivalry involving Wike and Amaechi, as parties and political blocs begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections in Rivers State.