Ogoni diaspora group backs ADC candidate, faults Wike

Some Ogoni people in the diaspora have expressed support for the African Democratic Congress, ADC, governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dr Gabriel Pidomson, while criticising what they described as the growing political influence of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the state.

In a statement on Wednesday, Canada-based political activist and journalist Joe Karka-Waadah said no individual should be treated as a political authority whose decisions must be accepted by all ethnic groups in Rivers State.

Karka-Waadah argued that the state’s diverse ethnic nationalities had equal stakes in its political affairs and should be accorded equal respect, justice and fair play.

He particularly criticised Wike over his alleged role in the emergence of Hon Kingsley Chinda, an Ikwerre, as a possible contender for the 2027 governorship election, saying such a decision should not be made without broader consultation with Rivers people.

According to him, the political future of the state should not be determined by one individual.

Karka-Waadah also expressed concern over the economic situation in the country, arguing that Nigerians were facing severe hardship and unemployment.

He blamed the economic difficulties on policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration, alleging that they had worsened living conditions for many Nigerians.

On Rivers State, he said residents were also grappling with challenges and argued that the state had not experienced the level of development he associated with the administration of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Karka-Waadah further alleged that Wike’s political influence had become excessive in the state.

“The state has been captured by one man who sees himself as a deity and positions himself as a god,” he alleged.

He also criticised the emergence of two Ikwerre politicians as governorship contenders on the platforms of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, describing it as an attempt to influence the political direction of the state.

Karka-Waadah alleged that Wike’s political calculations were aimed at positioning his preferred candidate for future political advantage.

He claimed that Wike was aware of Pidomson’s political strength and the support the ADC candidate could attract across the four local government areas of Ogoni.

“So, sacrificing OK Chinda’s minority leadership position in order to enthrone his son in 2031 isn’t an issue for someone like Nyesom Wike,” he alleged.

Karka-Waadah, however, reiterated his support for Pidomson, saying the ADC candidate could attract significant support from Ogoni and other parts of the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election.