The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dr Gabriel Pidomson, has stated that Rivers people will not accept any attempts to impose a governor on them in the 2027 election.
Pidomson criticized the ‘Rainbow Coalition’, a political group in the state started by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He believes it will not stop voters from choosing who they want.
Speaking to reporters in Port Harcourt on Thursday about his campaign plans, Pidomson said the upcoming election will not just be a fight between individuals or political groups. He said it will be a choice made by Rivers people on who should lead the state in the next election.
He stated, “The 2027 election is not just between Pidomson and the others. It is going to be Rivers people versus others.”
No Private Estate
Pidomson took a direct shot at Wike's political camp, saying that Rivers State does not belong to any one person or group.
“Rivers State is nobody’s private estate. It is our common patrimony,” he said.
He also rejected claims that the Rainbow Coalition is gaining ground, confidently saying that the ADC would “eclipse their rainbow” in the governorship race.
“On the so-called Rainbow Coalition, well, they have the right to boast everywhere. I can assure you that the real people are not with them. And we shall eclipse their rainbow next year,” he added.
Pidomson claimed that Rivers people are “morally angry” about what he called the control of the state by one political leader. He insisted that voters are ready for change.
He challenged Wike’s camp to show what the former governor has brought to Rivers since he became the minister of the FCT.
“As a minister of the FCT, tell me one project that Nyesom Wike has brought to the state,” Pidomson asked. He said that the appointments influenced by Wike have mostly helped his political allies.
Engaging the People
Pidomson mentioned that his campaign has already reached out to various groups across the state. He said these discussions showed a strong desire for a government that will listen and take action.
He shared that his 10-point policy plan focuses on the welfare of Rivers people. He said, “They cannot rig us out.”
He also warned against electoral fraud, saying the ADC will have agents in every polling unit to watch over the voting process.
“Our agents will be on red alert to monitor the units across the state,” Dr Pidomson stated.
He advised voters to stay at their polling units after casting their votes until results are announced. He said, “With that it will be impossible for them to rig us out.”
Pidomson urged Rivers voters not to be scared by any political group. He insisted that the 2027 election will be different from the past, where candidates were imposed on people.
“The votes of the people will count. The vote will be protected. No amount of rigging will prevail in the state,” the ADC governorship candidate said.
Call for Fairness
He condemned reports of restrictions on political activities and attacks on political opponents in some local government areas.
Pidomson called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Rivers Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services, and other security agencies to ensure that citizens and political parties can freely exercise their rights.
“It is unlawful, unconstitutional and barbaric for anybody, no matter how politically placed, to stop anyone from participating or organizing political activities in any part of the state,” he said.
He accused members of the ruling APC of disrupting some ADC events and urged security agencies to investigate these incidents and hold anyone guilty accountable.
On the opposition from some Ogoni leaders to his candidacy, Pidomson expressed confidence that voters will not always follow their leaders' opinions.
“The so-called leaders you are talking about are just a handful of those who have benefitted from this current system. They cannot sway the position or choice of the people,” he said.
Pidomson claimed that the ADC has a strong presence across Rivers State and insisted that his support spans different ethnic groups.
“The entire Rivers people are my structures,” he said. He urged voters to accept any bribes but to vote with their conscience.
“They will come to bribe you with money, collect it but vote for ADC,” the Rivers ADC governorship candidate added.
He assured everyone that his campaign is ready for the 2027 election. He has been preparing to take over the Rivers State Government House since 2014. “I am intellectually, emotionally and physically prepared,” he declared.
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