The Chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr Leader Sampson, has said that the political crisis in the state may not end soon despite the peace moves between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. He explained that the fight in Rivers politics has always been driven by selfish interests and could even get worse in the coming months.
Sampson also demanded that Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, who served as the Sole Administrator of the state for six months, must explain how he used Rivers people’s money. He insisted that Ibas should tell the public the projects he carried out, how much was received from federal allocation, and how much came from the state’s internally generated revenue. He stressed that if there was nothing to hide, then a full account should be presented to the people.
On the reconciliation between Fubara and Wike, Sampson said it was not genuine. According to him, it looked more like one man was forcing his will on the other, which may only lead to more conflict. He warned that if one politician continues to dictate everything in the state, then the likelihood of more crises remains very high.
He also explained why ADC did not take part in the recent local government elections in Rivers. He described the election as illegal, saying the constitution does not allow a Sole Administrator to conduct a democratic election.
He accused the government of changing the rules midway by suspending parts of the constitution to make the elections possible. Sampson said ADC has already gone to court to challenge the process and is hopeful that the results will be cancelled.
Speaking about the 2027 elections, Sampson said ADC is fully preparing to take over leadership in Rivers. He noted that while the party wishes Governor Fubara success, if he fails to provide good governance and deliver the dividends of democracy, it will only help ADC’s chances. He promised that the party is ready to rescue Rivers people from poor leadership and ensure credible governance.
Sampson also described ADC as the main opposition party in Rivers and in Nigeria. He said PDP has already collapsed, leaving ADC as the only credible option for Nigerians. He revealed that the party is growing daily and is confident of winning the Rivers governorship in 2027.
He confirmed that top political figures have already joined the ADC. Apart from former governor Rotimi Amaechi, he mentioned Prince Uche Secondus and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Okpara, as some of the big names in the party. He said with such political leaders, Rivers people will soon realize that ADC is the only reliable alternative for good governance.
