Rivers State Candidates Sign Agreement for 2027 Elections

Residents of Rivers State have urged governorship candidates in the 2027 elections to show clear plans to tackle unemployment, poor infrastructure, declining public services, and other economic issues facing the state.

This call was made during the seventh edition of the ‘Rivers We Want’ town hall meeting in Port Harcourt, on Sunday. Five governorship candidates from different political parties signed a 13-point Citizens’ Charter of Demands.

The candidates included Ben-Gurion John Peter of the Social Democratic Party, Ivy West of the African Action Congress, Dr Gabriel Pidomson of the African Democratic Congress, Dumale Kieghe of the Peoples Redemption Party, and Minaibim Harry of the National Rescue Movement.

The charter demands urgent government action in areas like education, youth employment, environmental protection, housing, agriculture, and economic development.

At the event, Obinna Ebogidi, the Convener of the Rivers Peace Initiative, said the goal was to move political discussions from just campaign promises to what citizens expect from their leaders. He stressed that the meeting was not meant to sway voters but to help residents evaluate the candidates' plans and hold them accountable after elections.

Ebogidi explained, "This is not an attempt to choose a candidate for the people. It is an effort to ensure that the people have a meaningful place in the choices before them." He added that Rivers State's rich natural resources and economic potential have not improved living conditions for many residents. He believes the next governor should be judged by the quality of public services and opportunities provided.

Ebogidi said, "The true measure of our wealth is not merely what lies beneath our soil, or flows through our waterways. It is what our people can see, feel and experience in their everyday lives." He pointed out that key indicators of good governance include quality education, accessible healthcare, job opportunities, community safety, responsible management of public resources, and accountable institutions.

He also encouraged candidates who missed the meeting to engage with the charter. He reminded everyone that governing Rivers State is more than just winning elections. He called on residents to keep asking questions and demand accountability from elected officials, even after elections.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has warned political parties, candidates, and their supporters against violence as the 2027 elections approach. Blessing Agabe, the police spokesperson at the meeting, advised politicians not to let political competition turn violent and endanger lives.

Agabe said, "An election is not a war and political opponents are not your enemies. No political ambition is worth the loss of a single life." She advised youths to stay away from political thuggery, violence, and electoral malpractice, urging them to refuse any financial inducements from politicians.

"Your future is far more valuable than temporal financial inducements," the police spokesperson stated. She also encouraged eligible voters to say no to vote-buying, hate speech, and misinformation, while calling on political figures and community leaders to work with security agencies.

Nnanna Onyekwere, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Rivers State, said the council will not endorse any individual candidate for governor. He explained that while political parties can endorse candidates or form alliances, IPAC will remain neutral.

Onyekwere said, "For us, IPAC, we have endorsed all of them together. Whoever emerges is a candidate. It doesn’t matter. And that is our stand."

Dr Pidomson, the ADC governorship candidate, shared his development proposals, presenting an economic plan to reduce the state's reliance on government spending and oil revenue through production, industrialization, private investment, and job creation.

He noted that even with Rivers State's oil and gas resources, maritime assets, agricultural potential, and strategic location, the state still faces unemployment, poverty, bad infrastructure, unreliable electricity, and environmental problems. He said his administration would focus on restructuring the economy around production and private-sector investment.

Similarly, Ivy West, the AAC candidate, shared a 12-point development agenda focused on peace, job creation, security, and social welfare. She aims to turn Rivers State into a smart, green, and industrial city while ensuring inclusive development.

The town hall was organized by the Rivers Peace Initiative, with help from Super 93.3 FM and the Centre for Peace and Security Studies at the University of Port Harcourt, along with support from the Trade Union Congress. The organizers said the event aimed to strengthen citizens’ involvement in governance and set benchmarks for assessing the next administration.