Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Rivers State, Sir Gabriel Baritulem Pidomson, has levelled a grave allegation against the Rainbow Coalition, accusing the political group linked to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of plotting to hijack election materials and write fake results in the February 2027 governorship election. Pidomson made the allegation in a statement shared on his official X handle on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, describing the coalition, which he mockingly labelled "Rainbow Confusion," as a group that has no intention of allowing a free and fair election in the state.
Pidomson's statement was direct and unsparing. "The Rainbow Confusion and their allies are not planning a free and fair election in 2027," he wrote. "Their only plan is to hijack election materials, write fake results, and enslave you and your children." He further alleged that the coalition is using money and food to influence voters and keep them dependent on its political structure. "They bring you money and food to deceive you and keep you bound. They want you to vote for them again so your suffering continues. But the moment we rise and stand up together, their power will break, and our freedom will come," he added. The allegation strikes at the heart of the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process and raises fundamental questions about the conduct of political actors in Rivers State as the 2027 general elections approach.
The Rainbow Coalition is a political arrangement championed by Wike, ostensibly to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election. Wike has repeatedly insisted that the coalition has nothing to do with the All Progressives Congress and that its sole objective is to ensure the President's return to office. However, the coalition's activities in Rivers State have generated significant controversy, particularly with regard to the state's 2027 governorship contest. Wike has publicly declared that the coalition is not interested in helping politicians win elections in their respective states, stating that his priority is the presidential election and that state-level politicians should resolve their own problems. "I won't be the one to help people to win elections in their states. Politics is local, and those having problems in their states should resolve them instead of using the re-election of the President to whip up sentiments," he said.
But Pidomson's allegation suggests that the coalition's activities in Rivers State go beyond mere presidential mobilisation. By accusing the coalition of planning to hijack election materials and write fake results, the ADC candidate is effectively alleging that the group is preparing to subvert the will of Rivers voters in the governorship election. The allegation is particularly significant because Wike is a former governor of Rivers State and remains a dominant political figure in the state. His influence over the state's political machinery, combined with the resources at his disposal as a serving minister, makes the prospect of electoral manipulation a legitimate concern for opposition candidates.
The ADC candidate's statement also highlights the growing tension between the Rainbow Coalition and opposition parties in Rivers State. The coalition has been accused of using its resources to influence voters and build a political structure that could undermine the competitiveness of the 2027 elections. Pidomson's allegation that the coalition is using money and food to deceive voters is a familiar refrain in Nigerian politics, where vote-buying and inducement remain persistent challenges. The Independent National Electoral Commission and civil society organisations have repeatedly warned against the dangers of vote-buying, which undermines the integrity of elections and erodes public confidence in the democratic process.
Pidomson's statement is not the first time he has raised the alarm about the 2027 elections. On September 11, 2026, he issued a stern warning to alleged election riggers, vowing to personally confront them if his electoral victory is manipulated. In a viral video, he said he would not resort to post-election litigation if the election results were rigged, a statement that underscores his determination to resist any attempt to subvert the will of the people. His latest allegation against the Rainbow Coalition is a continuation of that combative posture, signalling that the ADC candidate is prepared to fight for what he believes is a fair electoral contest.
The response from the Rainbow Coalition and Wike has been dismissive. Wike has consistently maintained that his focus is on the presidential election and that he has no interest in interfering in state-level contests. He has accused the APC Governors' Forum of hypocrisy and warned that the coalition's support for Tinubu does not mean that its members must abandon their respective political parties or stop fielding candidates for other elective positions. The minister has also dismissed claims that he approached APC governors to form the coalition, describing such reports as false.
However, the ADC candidate's allegations cannot be dismissed easily. The use of money and food to influence voters, the hijacking of election materials, and the writing of fake results are serious offences under the Electoral Act 2026. If Pidomson has evidence to support his claims, he should present it to the relevant authorities, including the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Nigeria Police Force. The integrity of the 2027 elections depends on the ability of all stakeholders to play by the rules and respect the will of the voters. Allegations of electoral manipulation must be investigated thoroughly, and those found culpable must be held accountable.
As the 2027 general elections approach, Rivers State is emerging as a key battleground. The contest for the governorship is shaping up to be a fierce battle between the ruling party and a determined opposition, with the Rainbow Coalition playing a potentially decisive role. The ADC candidate's allegations have added a new dimension to the political landscape, raising questions about the coalition's intentions and the fairness of the electoral process. For the people of Rivers State, the stakes could not be higher. They deserve an election that is free, fair, and credible, and they deserve leaders who will respect their votes and govern in their interest. Whether Pidomson's allegations are substantiated or not, they serve as a warning that the battle for 2027 will be fought not just at the ballot box but also in the court of public opinion.
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