Get Guardian on GoogleThe African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in Rivers State have declared their readiness to challenge the ruling party in the 2027 general elections, insisting that alleged intimidation and campaign tactics by the ruling party,All Progressives Congress would not deter them.
The parties said their campaigns would focus on addressing the economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment , rent hike and other challenges confronting Nigerians, rather than engaging in political distractions.
The ADC Publicity Secretary, Chizzy Enyinnaya, said the party was concerned about the increasing economic burden on Nigerians, noting that the ruling party had yet to adequately address issues affecting the livelihood of ordinary citizens.
Enyinnaya said the ADC was developing practical measures to address economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity and the country’s persistent electricity challenges.
He argued that unemployment remained a major driver of insecurity, stressing that providing jobs and economic opportunities would help reduce crime and other social vices.
According to him, the situation in Rivers State, particularly the challenges surrounding governance and employment, underscores the need for a new approach to economic development.
He expressed confidence that the party would not be discouraged by alleged attacks, arrests and detention of its members, recalling that similar challenges had confronted opposition parties in previous elections.
“Rivers State was more or less a theatre of war during the last election, but that did not stop the opposition from moving forward. We are not disturbed by arrests, detention or other forms of intimidation. We are moving forward, God willing,we will emerge winners at the 2027 elections ,” he said.
Similarly, the Rivers State Chairman of the Zenith Labour Party, Ben Ogbogbula, said the party remained undeterred by what he described as strong-arm tactics by the ruling party.
Ogbogbula said the ZLP’s campaign was centred on human welfare, capacity development and empowerment, rather than what he described as peripheral political issues.
He urged residents to support the party, saying its agenda was to improve living conditions and ensure that citizens could afford basic necessities, including food and decent accommodation.
On the rising cost of accommodation, the ZLP chairman said the party’s governorship candidate had pledged to address
The situation through measures to regulate rent and ensure that accommodation remained affordable.
He expressed concern that landlords were increasingly raising rents without consideration for the economic realities confronting tenants.
Ogbogbula also identified insecurity, particularly in riverine communities, as a major concern, assuring that the party’s governorship candidate had made addressing the challenge a priority.
He said the party would pursue policies aimed at improving security and the general welfare of residents if elected in 2027.
