2027: Rivers ADC Alleges Plot to Rig Election, Raises Concerns Over UNIPORT VC

The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised an alarm over an alleged plot by individuals linked to the Rainbow Coalition to influence the conduct of the 2027 general election in the state.

The party specifically alleged that the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Professor Princewill Chike, who it claimed is associated with the Rainbow Coalition, could influence the selection of returning officers for the election.

The allegation was made by the ADC Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, Chizy Enyi, in a video clip sighted by journalists.

The Rainbow Coalition is a cross-party political movement associated with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Enyi alleged that Chike had publicly identified with the coalition and could nominate returning officers for the forthcoming election.

The ADC spokesperson further alleged that the vice chancellor was recommended by Wike for his appointment and was subsequently imposed on the university.

“In order to show the public that he is truly Wike’s product, at the entrance of the university, what you will see is the signpost of the VC with the caption, ‘Academia Rainbow Coalition of the Renewed Hope,’ with his picture on it,” Enyi alleged.

He claimed that individuals nominated as returning officers could be members of the coalition.

“Those he will nominate as INEC returning officers for the election must be members of the coalition,” he alleged.

Enyi questioned the alleged political activities surrounding the vice chancellor and warned that the ADC would scrutinise the process of selecting electoral officials.

“It’s not even election time yet, but see what he is doing. During the election, all those who will be recommended are definitely going to come from the coalition,” he said.

The ADC spokesman also directly challenged Professor Chike over the allegations.

“Professor Chike, only God knows what you have come to do in Port Harcourt. Let us see those you will recommend. Let us see whether they will rig the election,” Enyi said.

The allegations come as political parties and political groups intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with concerns over the neutrality and independence of electoral processes becoming increasingly prominent.

However, the allegations made by the Rivers ADC remain claims by the opposition party. No evidence was presented in the material available to independently establish that Professor Chike intends to influence the appointment of returning officers or rig the election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Professor Chike have not, in the material provided, responded to the allegations.

The development is likely to heighten political scrutiny in Rivers State as parties prepare for the 2027 elections and begin building structures ahead of the polls.