Former Lawmaker Dagogo Emerges as Rivers ADC Governorship Candidate

Former House of Representatives member Farah Dagogo has been selected as the governorship candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State.

In the party’s direct primaries, held across all 319 wards of the 23 local government areas, Dagogo secured 64,700 votes—far surpassing his nearest rival, Dr. Sokonte Davies, who received 9,050 votes.

The announcement came from Dr. Agu Bryan, Chairman of the ADC Rivers State Governorship Primary Electoral Committee.

Dr. Bryan, along with other committee members and representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), confirmed that the primaries were conducted in accordance with the party’s rules and that all required procedures were fulfilled before Dagogo was declared the winner.

Dagogo responded by saying the victory belongs to all ADC members and to every resident of Rivers State who hopes for a brighter future.

“I want to sincerely thank the leaders and members of the African Democratic Congress in Rivers State for trusting me by choosing me as the party’s candidate for the upcoming gubernatorial election,” he said. “I feel truly grateful to have been chosen from many talented and well‑qualified candidates who also sought the party’s nomination. This win isn’t just mine; it belongs to every person in our amazing party and every citizen of Rivers who believes in the chance for a brighter future for our state.”

“In this journey, there are no winners or losers, only partners who share a common goal to improve Rivers State for progress and prosperity,” he added.

Dagogo urged the people of Rivers to set aside differences and unite in a spirit of inclusiveness and shared responsibility.

“The challenge we face is more important than any one person’s goals; it is about creating a Rivers State that is functional, safe, and has a strong economy that benefits everyone,” he said. “This project is more important than any individual or political interest. It is a shared goal that needs the help, thoughts, and involvement of everyone living in Rivers State, as well as all the people who have a stake in the area.”

He pledged to build on the work of past leaders, citing Commander Alfred Diete‑Spiff, Chief Ada George, Dr. Peter Odili, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Chief Nyesom Wike, and Governor Sim Fubara. “We will take lessons from what they have done well, work on what they did not do well, and create a new path that focuses on sustainable growth and governance that puts people first,” he promised.

Dagogo stated that his campaign would focus on key issues, practical solutions, and measurable results. “We will not participate in negative comments, personal insults, or politics that create division. We will share clear policies and practical plans to enhance security, offer affordable and quality education, empower our young people, create jobs and economic opportunities, improve healthcare services, and restore the pride and dignity of Rivers State,” he concluded.