Former House of Representatives member Farah Dagogo has emerged as the African Democratic Congress candidate for the 2027 Rivers State governorship election.
Dagogo won the party’s direct primary held across 319 wards in the state’s 23 local government areas with 64,700 votes. He defeated closest challenger Sokonte Davies, who polled 9,050 votes.
The result was announced by ADC Rivers State Governorship Primary Electoral Committee chairperson Agu Bryan, in the presence of committee members and Independent National Electoral Commission representatives. Bryan said the exercise complied with the party’s constitution and guidelines.
Reacting to his victory, Dagogo thanked party members and described the outcome as a collective win for ADC supporters and residents seeking a new direction for the state.
“There is no victor and no vanquished. We are all partners united by a shared vision to reposition Rivers State for progress and prosperity,” he said.
Dagogo pledged an issue-based campaign focused on security, education, youth empowerment, healthcare, and job creation. He said his administration, if elected, would build on the legacies of past governors from Alfred Diete-Spiff to Siminalayi Fubara, while addressing existing shortcomings.
“We will not engage in mudslinging or divisive politics. Our focus will be on practical solutions and policies that can improve the lives of Rivers people,” he said.
Ahead of the primary, two of seven aspirants stepped down in support of Gabriel Pidomson. Five aspirants ultimately contested: Dagogo, Pidomson, Davies, Leloonu Nwibubasa, and Allen Hart.
The ADC began its 2027 primaries on May 21 with National Assembly and State House of Assembly contests. Governorship primaries were held on May 22, with the presidential primary set for May 23. The party’s National Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for May 25 and its Special National Convention for May 26.
