The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has denied allegations that its governorship primary election was manipulated to favour a particular aspirant ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on the controversy, the party’s state chairman, Chukwudi Dimkpa, described the accusations as unfounded and misleading, insisting that the May 24, 2026 primary was conducted fairly and in accordance with the party’s constitution and electoral procedures.
One of the aspirants, Allen Idaso Ezekiel-Hart, had earlier challenged the outcome of the exercise, alleging irregularities and claiming he emerged winner of the contest.
Ezekiel-Hart also cautioned fellow aspirant, Farah Dagogo, against linking former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to claims surrounding the outcome of the primary.
According to him, he intends to pursue all available internal legal channels within the party while maintaining that the mandate rightfully belongs to him.
Responding to the allegations on Wednesday, Dimkpa said every aspirant was properly informed about the guidelines and procedures governing the election and that all contestants were given equal opportunities throughout the process.
He stated that the emergence of Gabriel Baritulem Pidomson as the ADC governorship candidate reflected the collective choice of delegates and party stakeholders across Rivers State’s 23 local government areas.
Dimkpa also dismissed suggestions that former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, influenced the outcome or imposed any candidate on the party.
He added that the party leadership maintained constant communication with aspirants and their representatives before and during the primary process, urging members of the public to ignore comments capable of creating disunity within the ADC.
“The ADC remains united and focused on providing credible leadership and a better future for the people of Rivers State,” he said.
Pidomson, a former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, secured victory in the primary election ahead of other aspirants including Farah Dagogo, Dr. Sokonte Davies, and Allen Ezekiel-Hart.