Rivers Diaspora Leader Backs Gabriel Pidomson for 2027 Governorship Bid
A prominent Rivers State diaspora figure and President of the Ogoni Business Owners Association in America, Anthony Waadah, has thrown his weight behind the governorship aspiration of Gabriel Pidomson ahead of the 2027 Rivers State governorship election.
Waadah, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said his endorsement followed extensive consultations with Ogoni stakeholders both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, who expressed support for Pidomson’s ambition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He described the move as part of a broader effort to advance the cause of political inclusion, equity and fair representation for the Ogoni people, noting that the ethnic nationality has remained excluded from the state’s highest political offices since the creation of Rivers State.
According to him, no Ogoni person has occupied the positions of Governor, Deputy Governor, Speaker of the State House of Assembly or Chief Judge of Rivers State for over five decades, despite the community’s significant contributions to the state’s socio-economic development.
Waadah argued that the 2027 election presents an opportunity to address what he termed a longstanding political imbalance and promote greater unity among the diverse ethnic groups in the state.
He described Pidomson as a competent and experienced leader whose candidacy could foster reconciliation, inclusive governance and sustainable development across Rivers State.
The diaspora leader also urged Ogoni people to set aside political, religious and personal differences in support of the governorship project, warning against actions capable of undermining the collective aspiration of the ethnic nationality.
He further appealed to Rivers residents to view Pidomson as a candidate for all communities in the state rather than one representing only Ogoni interests.
Waadah called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other relevant institutions to ensure a transparent and level playing field for all political parties and aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.
He maintained that the emergence of an Ogoni governor would strengthen democratic inclusion and reinforce the principles of fairness and equity in Rivers State politics.
