2027: Abiante Gains Early Momentum In Rivers South-East Contest

By Ken Asinobi The Rivers South-East Senatorial candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Rep. Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante has declared that the 2027 Rivers South-East senatorial race will be decided by performance, trust and the people's judgment, not by political noise or imposed interests. Speaking during an interview with National Network in Port Harcourt, Monday, Abiante said his rising profile in the district was the result of sustained service, close contact with the grassroots and what he described as a growing demand for fair representation in Rivers South-East. 'People are watching. They know who has been present, who has listened, and who has stayed connected to their concerns,' Abiante said. 'This race is not about who shouts the loudest. It is about who the people believe can truly represent them.' The NDC Rivers South-East senatorial candidate and lawmaker, who currently represents Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, said his interest in the Senate was rooted in the need to give the district a stronger voice at the national level. He insisted that his ambition was not driven by personal gain, but by what he described as a responsibility to deepen service. According to him, Rivers South-East remains a politically conscious district where issues of equity, inclusion and balance cannot be ignored. He said such realities would shape the 2027 contest and ultimately influence voters' decisions. 'There is a conversation already going on in the district about fairness and representation,' he said, adding, 'That conversation is not artificial. It comes from the people. And any serious candidate must engage it honestly.' Rep. Abiante who chairs the House Committee on Urban Development and Regional Planning, also dismissed the idea that early political momentum guarantees victory, stressing that the real battle would be fought at the grassroots. The NDC senatorial hopeful said his campaign, when fully underway, would focus on the communities, local government areas and voters who he believed formed the heart of the district. 'Momentum is important, but it is not the same as victory,' he said. 'What matters is structure, connection and a message that speaks to the people's needs. That is where we intend to focus.' Political observers say Abiante's posture reflects an early attempt to frame the race as one between credibility and empty ambition. His supporters believe his legislative background and public visibility give him an edge, while critics argue that the real test will be whether he can convert attention into actual electoral strength. In the interview, Abiante projected confidence without sounding triumphant, suggesting that his campaign was still in its early phase but already gaining traction. He maintained that he would continue to engage stakeholders across the district and make his case directly to voters. 'The people of Rivers South-East know what they want,' he said. 'We are confident that when the time comes, they will make a wise choice.' The 2027 senatorial contest is expected to draw multiple aspirants from across the district, with Abiante flying the flag of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), setting up what could become one of Rivers State's most closely watched political battles.