The Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State, Mr Leader Sampson, has dismissed the reconciliation deal between the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, warning that the political crisis in the state may continue and could even escalate.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Sampson alleged that the nearly two-year turmoil in Rivers was politically motivated and not a genuine leadership dispute. He accused certain individuals of deliberately making the state ungovernable for selfish political gains.
“What you call the crisis in Rivers State was orchestrated. From what we have seen, there was no true reconciliation. If one individual continues to insist that his will must prevail, then there will be more crises,” he said.
Call for Accountability
The ADC chairman also called on Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the Sole Administrator who oversaw Rivers under six months of emergency rule, to account for the state’s finances.
“He needs to tell Nigerians how much was received as federal allocation and internally generated revenue, and what projects were executed with Rivers people’s money,” Sampson insisted.
On Local Government Elections
Sampson described the recently conducted local government elections as “illegal,” arguing that a sole administration had no constitutional authority to organise democratic polls. The ADC has already approached the court to challenge the exercise.
“The president suspended part of the constitution to allow the elections, but we maintain that the process was illegal and it will never stand,” he added.
ADC’s 2027 Ambition
Looking ahead to 2027, Sampson declared that the ADC was preparing to take control of Rivers State, positioning itself as the state’s main opposition force.
“Although we pray for good governance, if the governor abandons Rivers people and fails to deliver, it will be an advantage to ADC. By 2027, we are taking over Government House,” he said.
He further claimed that prominent political figures, including former governor Rotimi Amaechi, ex-PDP chairman Uche Secondus, and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Austin Okpara, had aligned with ADC, strengthening the party’s base in Rivers.
According to Sampson, “PDP is dead already. ADC is the only credible opposition party in Nigeria today.”
