The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised the alarm over an alleged plot to manipulate the forthcoming election, accusing individuals linked to the Rainbow Coalition of planning to influence the electoral process.
The party specifically alleged that the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Prof. Princewill Chike, who it claimed is affiliated with the Rainbow Coalition, may influence the appointment of returning officers for the election.
The Rainbow Coalition is a cross-party socio-political movement associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a video clip, the Rivers State ADC Publicity Secretary, Chizy Enyi, alleged that Chike had publicly identified with the coalition and could nominate returning officers for the forthcoming election.
Enyi further alleged that the vice-chancellor was recommended by Wike for his appointment and claimed that he was “imposed” on 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.
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The ADC spokesperson questioned how individuals allegedly affiliated with the coalition could be trusted to oversee the electoral process if they were selected as returning officers.
“Those he will nominate as INEC returning officers for the election must be members of the coalition.
“It’s not even election time yet, but see what he is doing. During the election, all those who are recommended will definitely come from the coalition.
“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 said.
The allegations come ahead of the forthcoming election in Rivers State, with the ADC calling for transparency and impartiality in the appointment of electoral officials.
The claims, however, remain allegations, and no independent evidence was provided in the statement to substantiate the alleged plan to rig the election.
