08/06/2026
THE PANIC OF THE OLD GUARD: WHY SENATOR MAGNUS ABE’S RADIO COMMENTS REVEAL FEAR, NOT FACTS
Port Harcourt, Rivers State — June 6, 2026
Our attention has been drawn to comments made on air today by the former Senator representing Rivers South-East, Sen. Magnus Abe, asserting that the newly elected gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gabriel Baritulem Pidomson (PhD), and the wider Ogoni ethnic nationality "cannot win" the 2027 governorship election at this time.
While we understand that the political landscape is shifting faster than the old guard can adjust, it is disappointing to see a leader who should champion regional equity attempt to downplay the organic, historic momentum currently gathering behind the Third Path. We offer the following clear, factual responses to Senator Abe's comments:
1. THE "ELECTORAL DEFEAT" IRONY
It is deeply ironic for a statesman whose recent political trajectory is defined by missing out on key party tickets and structural marginalization to claim that a freshly validated flagbearer cannot win. While Senator Abe has historically sought validation from external "Godfathers" and centralized party structures in Abuja, Gabriel Pidomson has quietly, strategically built an organic, grassroots coalition entirely owned by the Rivers people.
2. THE FEAR OF AN UNBOSSED OGONI
For decades, the political establishment has used Ogoniland as a "voting farm" while denying its sons and daughters a seat at the head of the table. Senator Abe’s claim that Ogoni cannot win is not an objective political analysis; it is an expression of deep-seated anxiety. It is the anxiety of a career politician who realizes that the Ogoni people are no longer waiting for a self-appointed savior—they have chosen a technocrat who answers to them, not to an external master.
3. BREAKING THE BINARY
The 2027 election will not be won by the loud, chaotic rallies of the past. It will be won by the "Disenchanted Middle." Rivers people are exhausted by the ongoing proxy wars between the two major factions - Wike and his so called Rainbow coalition and Fubara and the grounded Simplified Movement. Dr. Pidomson’s victory at the ADC primaries on Friday, May 22, 2026 has provided the exact "Neutral Alternative" the state is crying out for.
4. A MATHEMATICAL REALITY
The path to Brick House in 2027 belongs to whoever can unify the state's fractured blocs. As an Ogoni son with deep roots across the Upland and strong alliances within the Riverine communities, Dr. Pidomson represents the natural bridge the state needs to heal. The numerical strength of a unified Rivers South-East, combined with voters across the 23 LGAs seeking a clean break from institutional paralysis, makes the ADC the most strategically positioned party today.
A CALL TO FOCUS
We advise Senator Abe to focus on his federal appointment and leave the future of Rivers governance to those who are on the ground, building structures of peace and economic stability.
To our teeming supporters across the 23 LGAs: Do not let the noise of yesterday's men distract you. The primary victory on Friday, May 22 was the first step. Our state-wide consultation begins immediately, and we are moving with absolute speed, discipline, and the grace of God.
The old system is shaking because the Third Path has arrived.
Signed,
Nnodi Collins,
Secretary General, Rivers First Movement (RFM)
