The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has publicly downplayed the potential influence of the “Rainbow Coalition,” a political movement closely associated with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. This assertion comes ahead of the pivotal 2027 general elections, with the ADC chairman, Dr. Chukwudi Dimkpa, stating that this movement, despite being perceived by some political observers as a dominant force, will ultimately not determine the electoral outcomes in Rivers State.

Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt, Dr. Dimkpa underscored that the foundation of democracy lies in competition, affirming that all political parties possess the constitutional right to seek the mandate of the populace. He clarified that the ADC’s strategic focus is not on any singular political bloc or individual personality. Instead, the party is rigorously committed to establishing a robust grassroots structure across the state and identifying and presenting highly credible candidates to the electorate.

Dimkpa elaborated on the ADC's approach, stating, “While we welcome the emergence of new political movements, the ADC remains focused on building a strong grassroots structure, presenting credible candidates, and offering practical solutions to the challenges facing Nigerians.” He further emphasized a shifting trend in Nigerian politics, where voters are increasingly prioritizing competence, credibility, and capacity over traditional political alignments or affiliations. The party's leadership believes that its success in the 2027 elections will hinge on its ability to articulate a clear vision and forge meaningful connections with voters across diverse communities.

Reaffirming the party's conviction, Dimkpa stated, “We believe that by presenting a clear vision and demonstrating our commitment to good governance, the ADC will remain a formidable force in the political landscape. Ultimately, power belongs to the people, not political parties.” He acknowledged that political realignments are a natural and common occurrence within a democratic system, but firmly reiterated that the ADC’s fundamental values—including internal democracy, inclusiveness, transparency, and a dedication to national development—remain steadfast and unaltered.

Dr. Dimkpa expressed unwavering confidence in the political sophistication of Rivers voters, believing they are capable of making informed choices based on merit rather than mere sentiment. He asserted, “We believe Rivers people are politically sophisticated enough to look beyond ethnic sentiments and support the candidate who offers the best roadmap for the future.”

Addressing concerns regarding potential federal influence on elections, Dimkpa outlined the ADC’s proactive measures. The party plans to significantly strengthen its grassroots structures and invest strategically in voter education, rigorous election monitoring, and comprehensive training for its electoral agents, all designed to safeguard its electoral prospects. Furthermore, he issued a call to key institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organizations, the media, and security agencies, urging them to play active and impartial roles in ensuring the conduct of credible elections in 2027. Dimkpa specifically implored INEC to uphold its constitutional mandate of conducting free, fair, and transparent elections, highlighting that sustained public confidence in the electoral process is absolutely critical for Nigeria’s democratic stability. He concluded by stressing that the credibility of the 2027 elections is not only vital for political parties but also for the broader democratic future of the country, emphasizing that every single vote must be counted and every voter must matter.