Nathaniel Zaccheus, Abuja
Former member of the House of Representatives, Farah Dagogo, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 election in Rivers State after defeating his closest challenger by a wide margin in the party’s direct primaries.
The primaries, conducted across the 319 wards in the 23 local government areas of the state, saw Dagogo poll 64,700 votes to defeat Dr. Sokonte Davies, who secured 9,050 votes.
Chairman of the Rivers State Governorship Primary Electoral Committee, Dr. Agu Bryan, announced the result in the presence of committee members and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Bryan said the exercise was conducted in line with the party’s guidelines and electoral procedures, adding that Dagogo satisfied all the requirements to emerge as the party’s flag bearer.
Reacting to his victory in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, Dagogo described his emergence as a collective triumph for members of the party and residents of Rivers State yearning for a better future.
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to the leadership and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State for the confidence reposed in me by electing me as the party’s governorship candidate for the forthcoming election,” he said.
The former lawmaker stated that the contest produced “no victor and no vanquished,” stressing that all aspirants remained partners in the mission to reposition the state for progress and prosperity.
He called on Rivers people to embrace unity, inclusiveness and collective responsibility, saying the task ahead was bigger than personal ambition or political interests.
According to him, his administration, if elected, would build on the achievements of past leaders of the state, including former governors Alfred Diete-Spiff, Ada George, Peter Odili, Chibuike Amaechi, Nyesom Wike and incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Dagogo also pledged to run an issue-based campaign centred on security, education, youth empowerment, job creation, healthcare and economic development.
“We will not engage in mudslinging, personal attacks or divisive politics. Instead, we will present clear policies and actionable plans on how to improve security, provide affordable and quality education, empower our youths, create jobs and economic opportunities, strengthen healthcare delivery, and restore the pride and dignity of Rivers State,” he said.
