Former House of Representatives member, Dr. Farah Dagogo has emerged the Rivers State Governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
In the party’s direct primaries held across all the 319 wards of the 23 Local Government areas in the State, Dr. Farah Dagogo polled 64,700 votes ahead of his nearest challenger, Dr. Sokonte Davies, who got 9050 votes.
The announcement was made by the Chairman of the ADC Rivers State Governorship Primary Electoral Committee, Dr. Agu Bryan, alongside other committee members and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
Dr. Bryan said the primary election was done in line with the party’s guidelines and having satisfied all requirements expected, Dr. Farah Dagogo was declared winner.
Responding, an elated Dr. Farah Dagogo said the victory belongs to every member of the ADC and every Rivers State resident who believes in a better future for the state.
“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 gubernatorial election.
I am deeply honoured to have emerged from among several distinguished and highly qualified aspirants who equally sought the party’s ticket. 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 stated.
He urged Rivers people to rise above division and embrace unity, inclusiveness, and collective responsibility ‘ as the task before us is greater than any individual ambition; it is about building a functional, secure, and economically viable Rivers State that works for everyone.’
“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.
“We are determined to build upon the legacies of past administrations from the foundational leadership of Commander Alfred Diete-Spiff, to Chief Ada George, Dr. Peter Odili, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Chief Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“We will learn from their successes, improve upon their shortcomings, and chart a new course that prioritizes sustainable development and people-centred governance, ” he promised.
He assured that he would run an issued based campaign focused on issues, solutions, and measurable outcomes.
“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 added.
Meanwhile, his opponent in the primary election, Dr. Sokonte Davies has congratulated Dagogo on his victory.
In a statement after the primary election, Dr. Davies said; “Dr. Dagogo’s victory at the primaries is a testament to the trust and confidence reposed in him by the delegates of our great party. We commend his perseverance, commitment to the ideals of the ADC, and his readiness to serve the people of Rivers State.
“As members of the same political family, we recognize that the task ahead is a collective one, and we stand ready to work together for the success of the party in the 2027 general elections”.
In the same spirit of unity and national progress, Dr. Davies and his supporters also declared their full and unwavering support for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in his bid for the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We believe that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar possesses the experience, vision, and national stature required to steer Nigeria out of its current challenges and set the country on the path of economic recovery, security, and inclusive growth.
“His leadership offers the unity and stability Nigeria urgently needs at this time.
“We call on all ADC members, stakeholders, and lovers of democracy across Rivers State and Nigeria to rally behind these candidacies for the good of our people and the future of our nation”.
