The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over an alleged plot to manipulate the forthcoming electoral process in the state, accusing individuals linked to the Rainbow Coalition of attempting to influence the selection of election officials.
The party made the allegation through its Publicity Secretary, Chizy Enyi, who specifically mentioned the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Princewill Chike, in connection with the alleged scheme.
Enyi claimed that Chike is associated with the Rainbow Coalition, a political movement which he said has links to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
According to the ADC spokesman, the alleged relationship has raised concerns within the party over the possible role the university vice chancellor could play in the appointment or recommendation of returning officers for the forthcoming election.
Enyi alleged that Chike was recommended for his position at the University of Port Harcourt by Wike and further claimed that the vice chancellor had been “imposed” on the institution by the former Rivers State governor.
He also pointed to what he described as evidence of Chike’s association with the coalition displayed at the university.
“In order to show the public that he is truly Wike’s product, at the entrance of the university, what you will see is the signpost of the VC with the caption, ‘Academia Rainbow Coalition of the Renewed Hope,’ with his picture on it,” Enyi alleged.
The ADC spokesman further claimed that members of the Rainbow Coalition could be recommended as Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) returning officers for the election.
“Those he will nominate as INEC returning officers for the election must be members of the coalition,” Enyi alleged.
He questioned why such political activities were allegedly taking place ahead of the electoral process, arguing that the election had not yet commenced.
“It’s not even election time yet, but see what he is doing. During the election, all those who will be recommended are definitely going to come from the coalition,” he said.
Enyi challenged Professor Chike to prove that the allegations were unfounded when the time comes for the appointment of returning officers.
“Professor Chike, only God knows what you have come to do in Port Harcourt. Let us see those you will recommend. Let us see whether they will rig the election,” he added.
The allegations come amid heightened political activity in Rivers State ahead of future elections. However, the claims by the ADC spokesman remain allegations, and no evidence establishing that Wike, Professor Chike, or the Rainbow Coalition is planning to rig the election was presented in the statement.
There was also no response from Wike or Professor Chike contained in the report to directly address the allegations.
