The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Rivers State says the opposition remains active ahead of the 2027 elections, receiving a rousing welcome from supporters as he returned home despite heavy rainfall.
Pidomson (left) says he wants to liberate Rivers State from “political hegemony.”
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State, Gabriel Pidomson, says the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections is very much alive, refuting claims from some quarters that all parties are merged in the Rainbow Coalition.
Pidomson noted this when residents of Bodo City in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State turned out in large numbers to welcome him during a homecoming reception in his hometown.
Addressing journalists, the ADC candidate described the reception as overwhelming, saying the support shown by the people despite the heavy rainfall was deeply encouraging.
“There was a torrential rainfall today, and yet they all remained in the rain with me. It shows that they love me. It shows that they have embraced this ticket,” he said.
A cross-section of supporters at the event.
The governorship candidate thanked the people of Bodo, Gokana and the wider Ogoni ethnic nationality for what he described as a warm welcome.
On why Rivers people should support him, Pidomson said, “I represent the change that Rivers State requires. What we are talking about in Rivers State is freedom. We need to liberate our state from political hegemony.”
Speaking at the event, the Rivers State ADC Chairman, Chukwudi Dimkpa, thanked the people for the warm reception and said the turnout reaffirmed the party’s decision to nominate Pidomson.
“We want to thank you for receiving your son. It makes us believe that we have done the right thing by bringing your son,” Dimkpa said.
Supporters defied the downpour to welcome the ADC governorship candidate.
Speaking on behalf of the Community, the Secretary of the organising committee, John Badom, described the gathering as historic, saying the community was honoured to have one of its sons emerge as the ADC governorship candidate.
“This event is very historic, and I am privileged to be part of it. From what you have seen today, the community is solidly behind him,” Badom said.
Badom added that the candidate’s visit to the traditional institution in the community, where he received blessings from the royal father and council of chiefs, symbolised the community’s prayers for his success.
The event attracted supporters from Bodo and neighbouring communities in Gokana, who joined party leaders in a peaceful procession through the town before converging for a reception.
Despite a downpour earlier in the day, residents remained at the venue, cheering and celebrating the candidate’s return.
The homecoming started with a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler and council of chiefs, where Pidomson received traditional blessings. He was later accompanied by supporters in a peaceful procession through the streets of Bodo City, with the event culminating in a grand reception marked by cultural displays and celebrations.
