The African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Rivers State has dismissed allegations that its governorship primary election held on May 24, 2026, was manipulated to favour a preferred aspirant.
Chairman of the party in the state, Chukwudi Dimkpa, described the claims as false and misleading, insisting that the exercise was conducted transparently and in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines.
One of the governorship aspirants, Allen Idaso Ezekiel-Hart, had alleged irregularities in the conduct of the primary and maintained that he won the contest.
Ezekiel-Hart also warned fellow aspirant Farah Dagogo against invoking the name of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to support claims of victory in the exercise.
“We will exhaust every legal channel within the party. I will not rock the boat unnecessarily, but the party must recognise that I won the primaries,” Ezekiel-Hart was quoted as saying.
Reacting on Wednesday, Dimkpa said all aspirants were adequately informed about the procedures leading to the primary election and were given equal opportunity to participate.
According to him, the emergence of Gabriel Baritulem Pidomson as the party’s governorship candidate reflected the collective decision and overwhelming support of delegates and stakeholders across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
He also dismissed insinuations that former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, influenced or imposed any aspirant on the party.
Dimkpa maintained that the ADC leadership sustained open communication with all aspirants and their representatives throughout the process, urging members of the public to disregard comments capable of causing division within the party.
“The ADC remains united and focused. Our priority now is to consolidate on the success of the primary process and continue working towards providing credible leadership and a better future for the people of Rivers State,” he stated.
Pidomson, a former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, emerged winner of the party’s governorship primary, defeating Dagogo, Dr. Sokonte Davies, and Ezekiel-Hart ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.
