The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has challenged Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his confidence about the outcome of the 2027 elections, saying no politician can determine the result through boasting, intimidation or political influence.

The state ADC Chairman, Dr Chukwudi Dimkpa, made the statement on Monday while reacting to comments attributed to Wike at a civic reception in Omagwa, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Saturday.

Wike had reportedly told supporters that Rotimi Amaechi, the ADC’s vice-presidential candidate, would be defeated by 12 noon on election day.

Dimkpa dismissed the claim, insisting that the outcome of the 2027 election would be determined by voters and the official collation of results rather than declarations by political figures.

“Elections are not won by boasts, intimidation or political strongmen announcing results in advance. Rivers people will vote, the votes will be counted, and INEC, not Wike, will declare the winner,” Dimkpa said.

The Rivers ADC chairman also criticised the timing and circumstances of the event where Wike made the remarks.

According to Dimkpa, the reception coincided with the burial of Amaechi’s mother, Dame Ezinne Amaechi, in Ubima, with mourners travelling from different parts of the country to attend the funeral.

He alleged that Wike and Ikwerre Local Government Area Chairman Charles Wobodo used the occasion to mount a political reception along the route and subsequently attack Amaechi politically.

Dimkpa described the development as “insensitive, provocative and embarrassing,” arguing that political differences should not overshadow the occasion of a family bereavement.

He said the ADC deliberately refrained from responding immediately because its attention was focused on the funeral.

“There is always a time for politics and there is a time for humanity,” Dimkpa said, questioning why Wike could not suspend his political rivalry with Amaechi for the duration of the burial.

Dimkpa further warned against attempts to portray the 2027 contest in Rivers State as already decided.

He said Rivers residents would ultimately determine their preferred candidates at the ballot box, stressing that no individual or political group could claim ownership of the electorate.

“Nobody owns the people, nobody owns their votes, and certainly, nobody can declare an election result by 12 noon,” he said.

The ADC chairman also urged Rivers voters not to be intimidated ahead of the 2027 elections and called on them to assess candidates based on credibility, competence and their ability to deliver meaningful improvements.

The latest exchange adds to the growing political contest between Wike and the ADC in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike has continued to express confidence in the political strength of the coalition supporting President Bola Tinubu and has questioned the ability of Amaechi and other opposition figures to defeat the ruling political establishment in the state.

The ADC, however, has maintained that previous electoral outcomes cannot be used to predetermine the result of the next election, arguing that voters’ preferences can change and that the final decision rests with the electorate.

With the 2027 elections still ahead, the increasingly public exchanges suggest that Rivers State is likely to remain a major battleground as political parties and influential figures position themselves for the next electoral contest.