Former federal lawmaker, Farah Dagogo, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Rivers State, a development now shifting political conversations in the state toward governance priorities, economic recovery and public expectations ahead of the 2027 election.

Dagogo secured 64,700 votes during the party’s direct primary conducted across 319 wards in the state’s 23 local government areas, defeating his closest challenger, Dr. Sokonte Davies, who polled 9,050 votes. The exercise was supervised under the leadership structure associated with former Senate President, David Mark, while officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission monitored the process alongside party representatives.

Announcing the outcome, Chairman of the ADC Rivers State Governorship Primary Electoral Committee, Dr. Agu Bryan, said the exercise followed the party’s constitutional guidelines and electoral procedures. He stated that Dagogo met all requirements needed to emerge as the party’s standard bearer at a time political stakeholders in Rivers are increasingly focusing on leadership direction and development plans for the oil-rich state.

In his acceptance remarks, Dagogo framed his victory around governance and public service, saying the next political phase in Rivers should move beyond individual ambition. According to him, issues such as insecurity, unemployment, education, healthcare and economic growth must dominate political discussions as residents continue to demand improved living conditions and stronger institutions.

The ADC candidate also pledged to run an issue-based campaign, promising to avoid divisive rhetoric and concentrate on policy alternatives. He said his administration, if elected, would pursue youth empowerment and job creation while building on the contributions of previous leaders, including former military governor Alfred Diete-Spiff and incumbent governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Political observers say the outcome of the ADC primary may further widen the debate around governance performance and economic direction in Rivers State as parties prepare for the 2027 elections. With campaigns expected to intensify in the coming months, attention is likely to remain on how candidates intend to address security concerns, infrastructure gaps and the growing demand for inclusive development across communities in the state.