Rivers ADP vows to protect votes from rigging

Declares era of results writing over

The African Democratic Party (ADP), Rivers State, has vowed to defend and protect its votes from being rigged in the 2027 general election, declaring that the era of writing election results in the state was over.

State Chairman of the party Mr Christian Kendrick, speaking at the campaign flag-off in Port Harcourt, charged Rivers electorate to protect their votes from manipulation by desperate politicians.

He said the ADP believes in transparency, emphasising that Rivers voters should vote and ensure that their votes are counted in the election.

Similarly, the deputy governorship candidate, Orluh Ibrahim Nyekachi, has urged Rivers voters not to be intimidated during the 2027 election.

“Don’t be scared by anybody or party. On election day, cast your vote, protect your vote and ensure that the right result is announced,” he said.

Nyekachi added that Rivers needed a political alternative, insisting that the 2027 election must produce a credible outcome.

“In 2027, our votes must count. No more sitting down somewhere to write a result and announce same to Nigerians. That dark era is far gone. This time, our vote must count,” Nyekachi said.

Meanwhile, the party’s governorship candidate, Mr Angel Lawson, has promised that, if elected as governor in 2027, his administration would provide 500,000 jobs in its first year in office.

Lawson said his decision to contest the governorship was driven by the desire to provide inclusive governance, tackle unemployment and expand economic opportunities for residents of the state.

According to him, Rivers, despite its enormous oil wealth and strategic economic position, continues to grapple with high unemployment, poverty and inadequate access to basic services.

“Rivers State is blessed with enormous natural resources, a strategic location, talented people and tremendous economic potential. Yet, too many of our people continue to struggle with unemployment, inadequate healthcare and education, poor access to basic services and limited economic opportunities,” he said.

He added that the mission of the campaign is to put the welfare of Rivers people at the centre of government, citing the National Bureau of Statistics’ 2022 report, which placed 62.4 per cent of Rivers residents in multidimensional poverty.

The ADP candidate unveiled RIV-10, a Public-Private Partnership Employment and Empowerment Programme built on 10 economic pillars to deliver the 500,000 jobs.

Lawson said government would act as facilitator, not sole employer, by mobilising PPPs, private capital, development finance institutions and cooperatives to drive the programme.

He said: “Our goal goes beyond numbers. It is about increasing household incomes, putting food on family tables and giving our youths a future. Rivers people deserve a government that connects resources to opportunities.”

“Your future matters. Your family matters. And your government must work for you,” he added.

He added that the party is not riding on godfatherism and is also not in alignment with the Nyesom Wike-led Rainbow Coalition.