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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dr Gabriel Pidomson, has appealed to the Ikwerre people to support the emergence of an Ogoni governor in the state in the 2027 governorship election.
Pidomson made the appeal on Thursday, when he led a delegation of the party to seek the blessings and support of the Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation at its Obiri Ikwerre Complex in Port Harcourt.
The delegation was led by the ADC State Chairman, Chief Chukwudi Dimkpa, who formally introduced Pidomson and his running mate, Mr David Okumgba, to the cultural organisation.
Dimkpa described Pidomson as not only a governorship candidate but also an Ikwerre son, recalling that he once lived in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government Area. He said the experience informed the candidate's use of the name "Otulem", an Ikwerre expression.
Speaking during the visit, Pidomson said Ogbakor Ikwerre was the first major organisation the campaign team visited after the inauguration of its campaign council because of the importance of the Ikwerre people in Rivers politics.
He observed that political leadership in the state had moved from the Ijaw to Orashi and subsequently to Ikwerre, arguing that the time had come for the people to support a shift of power to Ogoni.
The ADC candidate recalled the historical relationship between prominent Ogoni leaders, including Sir Edward Kobani, Senator Bennett Birabi and G.B. Leton, and notable Ikwerre figures such as Obi Wali.
He urged both ethnic nationalities to sustain their longstanding relationship, mutual understanding and political cooperation for the overall development of Rivers State.
Pidomson said his appeal for Ikwerre support was not merely because he was an Ogoni man or the ADC candidate, but because he believed he had the capacity to provide the desired change and leadership for the state.
He also called on the Ikwerre people to join what he described as the struggle against the "state capture by one man", alleging that the situation was undermining the political future and collective interests of the Ikwerre people and Rivers State.
On traditional institutions, Pidomson assured the monarchs that his administration would respect their authority and would not victimise them for providing platforms for political consultations by candidates.
He further urged the Ikwerre people to support their son, former Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, whom he said would become Vice President if the ADC wins the presidential election.
According to him, having an Ikwerre son occupy the country's second-highest political office would be more beneficial and dignifying than retaining the governorship position for another Ikwerre person at this time.
Responding, the President-General of Ogbakor Ikwerre, HRM Eze Barr. Godspower Woke Onuekwa, welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the Ikwerre people's solidarity with the Ogoni, citing their shared cultural heritage and history of cooperation.
He particularly recalled the relationship between both ethnic groups following the deaths of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and Ikwerre leader Senator Obi Wali.
Onuekwa offered prayers and blessings for Pidomson and his running mate and presented the governorship candidate with a copy of his book, Who the Cap Fits, which profiles prominent personalities in the Ikwerre Iwhuruohna nation.
He also commended Senator Andrew Uchendu for his consistent support for Ogbakor Ikwerre.
Other members of the organisation advised the ADC campaign team to remain committed to its ideals and resist financial inducements and betrayal.
They stressed the importance of political cooperation, declaring that "one Vice President is bigger than ten governors", a position described as one of the major takeaways from the meeting.
In his vote of thanks, the Deputy Governorship Candidate, David Okumgba, appreciated the organisation for receiving the delegation and urged its members to continue speaking truth to power.
Other members of the delegation included the Director-General of the Governorship Campaign Council, Hon. Chimbiko Akarolo; Hon. George Feyii; Chief Emmanuel Chinda; Dr Mrs Joeba West; Surv. Sam Agwor; Hon. Nancy Stephen; Hon. Omodu Jack West; and Hon. Wonodi, among other party leaders and stakeholders.
