The Rivers State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Sir Gabriel Baritulem Pidomson, has challenged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to a public debate on the governance and development of Rivers State.
Pidomson issued the challenge while speaking with journalists after consulting members of the Muslim community in the state at the palace of the Sarkin Hausawan Rivers State, Amb. Alhaji Hussaini Isa Madaki.
He urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to present its development agenda and explain what it intends to offer Rivers residents ahead of the 2027 governorship election, rather than making the contest about individual political figures.
“The APC needs to tell us what they have for Rivers people. If the FCT Minister believes he is the one on the ballot, I challenge him to a debate on the governance of Rivers State,” he said.
The ADC candidate questioned the state’s development record over the past 12 years, covering Wike’s eight-year administration and the subsequent four years, which he described as governance by proxy.
He accused Wike of shielding his political protégé from public scrutiny, insisting that anyone seeking to govern the state must be prepared to engage directly with voters and defend their policies.
Pidomson also questioned the repeated allegations against former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, particularly those relating to the Canadian hospital project, now known as the Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Specialist Hospital, and the management of school projects.
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He noted that the allegations featured prominently during the 2015, 2019 and 2023 election campaigns, challenging Wike to explain why Amaechi was not prosecuted during his eight years as governor if there was sufficient evidence of wrongdoing.
He described the continued allegations as a personal vendetta and an attempt to damage Amaechi’s reputation.
Addressing the state’s development challenges, Pidomson described Rivers State as a failed project, questioning why its substantial revenue had not translated into improved living conditions for residents.
He identified the disparity between government revenue and persistent poverty as one of the reasons behind his decision to contest the 2027 governorship election.
According to him, his ambition is driven by a desire to address the state’s development challenges rather than merely occupy public office.
“I am coming to solve problems. I want to leave as governor who made life better for Rivers people,” he said.
Earlier, during the consultation, Pidomson described the Arewa community in Rivers State as an integral part of the state, promising inclusive governance that would accommodate all ethnic and religious groups if elected.
He also disclosed that his wife is from Northern Nigeria, saying the connection reinforced his commitment to peaceful coexistence, equal opportunities, and unity among different communities.
Receiving the ADC delegation, Madaki welcomed Pidomson and his entourage, expressing goodwill and offering prayers for the candidate.
Similarly, Alhaji Haladu Danu, a representative of the Arewa community in the Rivers State ADC 2027 Governorship Campaign Council, described Pidomson as his brother-in-law and expressed confidence in his integrity and commitment to good governance.
Pidomson was accompanied by his deputy governorship candidate, David Okumgba; Director-General of the Campaign Council, Hon. Chimbiko Akarolo; and other members of his campaign team.
