The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has expressed criticism towards Dr. Sokonte Davies, a former ally of Rotimi Amaechi, for joining the Rainbow Coalition led by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. This reaction comes after a photograph of Davies alongside Wike and other coalition members surfaced. Davies had previously contested the ADC governorship primary in Rivers State but failed to secure the party's ticket.
In a statement signed by Chizy Enyi, the ADC Rivers State chapter described Davies' new political alignment with "considerable amusement." The party linked his decision to his failure to win the ADC governorship ticket and questioned why he joined a coalition that does not offer a governorship ticket. The ADC stated that if Davies' grievance was about not securing the party's ticket, he should have moved to an organization where such a ticket was available.
Despite criticizing Davies' decision, the ADC emphasized that it bears him no ill will and recognizes his right to determine his political future. The party stated that Davies' departure would not affect its preparations for the 2027 elections, as it already has a governorship candidate, a distinct political identity, and a campaign for the people of Rivers State. The ADC wished Davies well in his new political alignment, describing it as a journey "across the rainbow."
The ADC in Edo State reported a separate incident, alleging that its members were attacked by armed men during a political engagement in Igueben Local Government Area. The party's Publicity Secretary in Edo State, Chris Ojeikere, claimed that the Igueben Local Government Chairman led a group of armed men who attacked the entourage of Kenneth Imasuangbon and the party's Edo Central senatorial candidate, Herbeta Okonofua.
According to the ADC, an party member, Jerry Oliha, was shot at the premises of the Enogie of Igueben and was taken to Irrua Specialist Hospital for treatment. The party alleged that this incident was the third reported shooting involving their entourage in the local government area that day, with previous incidents occurring in Ward 4 and Ward 5.
The ADC accused the APC of being behind a series of attacks on its members and campaign infrastructure across Edo State, citing similar incidents in Etsako East, Owan West, and Owan East. The party linked these alleged attacks to comments attributed to Jarrett Tenebe and described the latest incident as part of a pattern of political violence.
The ADC reported that bullets recovered from the scene were handed over to the police and the Enogie, while canopies, chairs, and musical instruments worth millions of naira were allegedly destroyed during the attack. The party plans to release a comprehensive report on the alleged violence against its members and infrastructure and has informed the Divisional Police Officer in Igueben about the incident.
Key points
- The ADC in Rivers State criticizes Sokonte Davies for joining Nyesom Wike's Rainbow Coalition after failing to secure the party's governorship ticket.
- The party bears Davies no ill will but emphasizes that his departure won't affect its 2027 election preparations.
- The ADC in Edo State alleges that its members were attacked by armed men, accusing the APC of being behind the violence.
