The Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State, Mr. Leader Sampson, has dismissed the reported reconciliation between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. In an interview with DAILY POST, he warned that the two-year-old political crisis in the state may not only continue but could become worse.
Sampson also demanded accountability from the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, over the management of state funds during six months of emergency rule. He further described the recently concluded local government elections as “illegal” and outlined ADC’s preparations to contest the 2027 general elections.
Assessing Peace in Rivers State
According to Sampson, Rivers State has never truly been in crisis. He argued that the unrest was “orchestrated by certain individuals for political gain” and aimed at making the state ungovernable.
“There was peace in Rivers before, there is peace now, and there will continue to be peace,” he said, stressing that those responsible have not been held accountable.
On the Probe of Ibas’ Administration
The ADC chairman insisted that Ibas must explain how public funds were spent during his six-month tenure.
“He should account for the state’s internally generated revenue, federal allocations, and the projects executed. If he has nothing to hide, let him give Nigerians a full account,” Sampson stated.
On Wike–Fubara Reconciliation
Sampson dismissed the reconciliation deal between Fubara and Wike as one-sided.
“There was no genuine reconciliation. If one individual continues to impose his will on Rivers State, more crises will follow. The conflict remains politically motivated, and what lies ahead will also be politically driven,” he explained.
On the Local Government Elections
The ADC leader rejected the recently held elections, calling them unconstitutional.
“The law does not empower a Sole Administrator to conduct democratic elections. The process was illegal, and that’s why we are in court. We are confident the election will be nullified,” Sampson affirmed.
ADC’s Plans for 2027
He confirmed that the ADC is preparing to contest and win the 2027 governorship election.
“We pray for stability and good governance. But if the current administration fails to deliver, ADC will take the opportunity to rescue Rivers people from poor leadership,” he said.
Sampson declared ADC as the leading opposition party, not only in Rivers but across Nigeria.
“The PDP is dead. ADC is the only credible alternative Nigerians can trust. We are growing stronger every day, and by 2027, we will take over the government house,” he maintained.
Political Leaders Joining ADC
Highlighting recent defections, Sampson revealed that prominent figures such as former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Prince Uche Secondus, and ex-Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Okpara, have already joined ADC.
“These respected leaders prove that Rivers people are realizing ADC is the only viable option for credible governance,” he concluded.
