ADC has warned that political crisis may deepen in Rivers State and have called for accountability from Sole Administrator.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Leader Sampson, has warned that the nearly two-year political crisis in the state may persist and even worsen, despite recent reconciliation efforts between suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
In an interview with DAILY POST, Sampson also called on the Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, to account for the use of public funds during his six-month emergency administration.
No True Reconciliation Yet
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Commenting on the Fubara-Wike reconciliation, Sampson described it as insincere, saying the arrangement “was just one man having his way.” He warned that if certain individuals continue to insist on having their will imposed on the state, “the tendency of more crises is still very high.” He emphasized that past unrest in Rivers State was politically motivated and predicted future tensions would likely have similar origins.
Call for Accountability
On the performance of the Sole Administrator, Sampson said Ibas must provide a full account of the state’s finances, including internally generated revenue, federal allocations, and projects executed during his tenure. “If he doesn’t have anything to hide, then he should give an account,” he added.
Illegal Local Government Elections
Sampson also criticized the recently concluded Local Government elections, which ADC chose not to participate in. According to him, the elections were illegal as the constitution does not permit a Sole Administration to conduct democratic elections. He said the ADC has challenged the process in court and is optimistic that the election will be nullified.
Plans for 2027 Governorship Election
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Sampson stated that ADC is preparing to contest and potentially take over the Rivers State government. “We are doing everything possible to rescue the state from the hands of these tyrants,” he said, adding that the party seeks good governance but will capitalize on any failure by the current administration to deliver the dividends of democracy.
ADC as a Growing Opposition
Sampson also positioned ADC as the main opposition party in Nigeria, claiming that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is “dead” and that ADC is the credible alternative. He highlighted notable figures who have joined the party in Rivers State, including former governor Rotimi Amaechi, Prince Uche Secondus, and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Okpara.
With these moves, Sampson said ADC is steadily growing in strength and aims to assume leadership in Rivers State by 2027.
