Former member of the House of Representatives, Farah Dagogo, has emerged victorious in the governorship primary election of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State, positioning himself as the party's candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
Primary Election Results
Dagogo secured 64,700 votes in the direct primaries conducted across all 319 wards in the 23 local government areas of the state. His closest rival, Sokonte Davies, garnered 9,050 votes. The result was announced by the Chairman of the ADC Rivers State Governorship Primary Electoral Committee, Agu Bryan, in the presence of other committee members and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Dagogo's Acceptance Speech
Reacting to his victory, Dagogo expressed gratitude to the leadership and members of the ADC for the confidence reposed in him. He described the win as a victory for the entire party and the people of Rivers State. "I wish to express my profound gratitude to the leadership and members of the African Democratic Congress in Rivers State for the confidence reposed in me by electing me as the party's governorship candidate for the forthcoming election," he stated.
He acknowledged that the primary contest featured several qualified aspirants and stressed that there should be no division within the party after the exercise. "This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every member of our great party and every Rivers citizen who believes in the possibility of a better future for our state. In this journey, there is no victor and no vanquished, only partners united by a common vision to reposition Rivers State for progress and prosperity," he said.
Call for Unity and Inclusiveness
Dagogo urged Rivers people to rise above division and embrace unity, inclusiveness, and collective responsibility. He insisted that the task ahead goes beyond individual ambition and political interests. According to him, the focus should be on building a secure, functional, and economically viable state that works for all residents. "This project is bigger than any individual or political interest. It is a collective mission that requires the support, ideas, and participation of all residents and stakeholders across Rivers State," he added.
Commitment to Past Administrations' Achievements
The ADC candidate pledged to build on the achievements of past administrations in the state, referencing former governors including Alfred Diete-Spiff, Ada George, Peter Odili, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Nyesom Wike, and incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara. He said his administration would learn from the successes and shortcomings of previous governments while pursuing sustainable development and people-centred governance.
Issue-Based Campaign Pledge
Dagogo further assured that his campaign would remain issue-based and focused on practical solutions rather than personal attacks or divisive politics. "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 youths, create jobs and economic opportunities, strengthen healthcare delivery, and restore the pride and dignity of Rivers State," he said.
