Former member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Farah Dagogo, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the forthcoming Rivers State governorship election after securing a landslide victory in the party’s direct primary.
Dagogo polled 64,700 votes to defeat his closest rival, Dr. Sokonte Davies, who scored 9,050 votes in the exercise conducted across the 319 wards and 23 local government areas of the state.
The result was announced by the Chairman of the ADC Rivers State Governorship Primary Electoral Committee, Dr. Agu Bryan, in the presence of party officials and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Bryan described the exercise as peaceful, transparent and credible, stating that the primary was conducted in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.
“Having satisfied all the requirements expected of aspirants and by virtue of the votes scored in the direct primary election conducted across the state, Dr. Farah Dagogo is hereby declared the winner and duly elected governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the forthcoming governorship election in Rivers State,” he said.
He commended party members and stakeholders for ensuring a smooth and orderly process, noting that the exercise reflected the ADC’s commitment to internal democracy.
In his acceptance speech, Dagogo thanked party leaders and members for the confidence reposed in him, describing his emergence as a victory for Rivers people seeking purposeful leadership and development.
“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,” he said.
The former lawmaker praised other aspirants for their commitment to the party and urged members to remain united ahead of the governorship election.
“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.
Dagogo called on Rivers people to set aside political and personal differences and work collectively for the development of the state.
According to him, his administration would focus on security, education, youth empowerment, healthcare delivery and economic growth if elected governor.
He also pledged to build on the achievements of past administrations while introducing policies aimed at promoting sustainable development and people-centred governance.
“We will not engage in mudslinging or divisive politics. Our focus will be on clear policies and practical solutions that will improve the lives of Rivers people,” Dagogo added.
