The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has rejected claims that the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Rotimi Amaechi, would be defeated shortly after voting begins in the 2027 election.

The party said political boasts, intimidation and promises alone could not determine the outcome of an election.

The state ADC chairman, Dr Chukwudi Dimkpa, made the position known in a statement issued Monday in Port Harcourt.

Dimkpa was responding to remarks attributed to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during a civic reception held in his honour by the City Boy Movement at Omagwa on Saturday.

Wike reportedly told supporters that Amaechi would be defeated by 12 noon on election day.

Reacting, Dimkpa said the outcome of the election would ultimately be determined by Rivers voters and officially declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

He said, “Elections are not won by boasts, intimidation or political strongmen announcing results in advance.”

The ADC chairman also criticised the circumstances surrounding Wike’s reception at Omagwa, which he said coincided with Amaechi’s mother’s burial.

According to him, Amaechi was in Ubima at the time for the burial of his mother, Dame Ezinne Amaechi, while people from different parts of Nigeria travelled to the community to commiserate with the family.

Dimkpa alleged that Wike and Ikwerre Local Government Area Chairman, Charles Wobodo, used the occasion to hold a political reception along the route, resulting in traffic disruption.

He described the development as insensitive and provocative, accusing the minister of taking his political rivalry with Amaechi too far.

The ADC chairman said politics should not override basic considerations of humanity, particularly during a period of mourning.

He explained that the party deliberately refrained from responding to the comments on Saturday because its attention was focused on ensuring that Amaechi’s mother received a befitting burial.

Dimkpa further maintained that no individual or political group could claim ownership of Rivers State or its electorate.

“Nobody owns the people, nobody owns their votes,” he said, insisting that no politician could determine an election result before votes were counted.

He subsequently urged Rivers residents to reject intimidation and independently assess the candidates before making their choice in 2027.

Meanwhile, Wike had told supporters at the Omagwa reception that candidates backed by the Rainbow Coalition would emerge victorious in the 2027 elections.

The exchange adds to the growing political contest in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.