The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over an alleged plot by some individuals to manipulate forthcoming elections in the state, claiming that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Princewill Chike, are linked to the alleged scheme.

The party made the allegation in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Chizy Enyi, who claimed that Chike is associated with the Rainbow Coalition, a cross-party political movement allegedly linked to the FCT Minister.

Enyi expressed concern over the possibility that the UNIPORT Vice Chancellor could play a role in the selection or recommendation of returning officers for the forthcoming election.

According to the ADC spokesman, Chike had openly identified with the coalition, which he alleged was connected to Wike.

He further claimed that the Vice Chancellor was recommended for his position at the university by the former Rivers State governor.

Enyi alleged that the connection between Chike and the Rainbow Coalition was publicly displayed at the entrance of the University of Port Harcourt.

“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,” he alleged.

The ADC spokesman further alleged that members of the Rainbow Coalition could be recommended as Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) returning officers for the forthcoming election.

“Those he will nominate as INEC returning officers for the election must be members of the coalition,” Enyi claimed.

He questioned the alleged political activities of the Vice Chancellor ahead of the election, arguing that the electoral process had yet to commence but concerns were already emerging over the possible selection of election officials.

“It’s not even election time yet, but see what he is doing. During the election, all those who will be recommended are definitely going to come from the coalition,” he said.

Enyi challenged Professor Chike to prove the allegations wrong when the time comes for the appointment of returning officers.

“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 added.

The allegations come amid heightened political activities and preparations for forthcoming elections in Rivers State, with political parties increasingly raising concerns over the credibility and neutrality of the electoral process.

The ADC did not provide independent evidence in the statement to substantiate its claims against Wike or the UNIPORT Vice Chancellor.

The allegations also remain unproven, and neither Wike nor Professor Chike was quoted as responding to the claims at the time of filing this report.