At least eight aspirants have indicated interest to contest the governorship primary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State.
The state chapter of the party, which confirmed the development, also celebrated what it described as the boldness of a former Governor of the state, Rotimi Amaechi, to pick the ADC presidential form, reports The Nation.
The chairman-elect of the ADC in Rivers, Dr. Chukwudi Dimkpa, said the party had continued to witness political interest and participation from various stakeholders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said: “This is a clear indication that the party has rapidly emerged as the preferred platform for credible leadership, progressive politics, and people-driven governance.
“The formal declaration of intent by Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to contest for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the platform of the African Democratic Congress marks yet another major milestone in the growing national momentum around the party.
“In Rivers State, the level of interest generated within the ADC has been extraordinary. No fewer than eight prominent individuals have already indicated interest in contesting for the office of Governor under the platform of the party”.
Dimkpa identified the eight aspirants as former public office holders, technocrats, accomplished professionals, and respected private sector operators.
He said: “They are among others a former Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), a former Member of the House of Representatives and former Executive Director, Marine & Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), another former Member of the House of Representatives and former Chairman of NIMASA, a former Commissioner for Employment Generation, a former Chief Medical Director of UPTH, a renowned architect and successful private sector leaders and entrepreneurs”.
The party chair said beyond the governorship race, many highly qualified individuals had also expressed interest to contest Senate, House of Representatives, and State Assembly positions across the state.
He said: “What we are witnessing is not ordinary political movement. It is a convergence of experience, competence, credibility, youth energy, and grassroots belief in a new political direction for Rivers State and Nigeria.
“For years, many Nigerians complained that credible people stayed away from politics. Today, credible people are not only joining politics, they are deliberately choosing ADC.
“The growing influx of respected leaders and professionals into the party reflects increasing public confidence in the vision, internal democratic culture, and transformational agenda of ADC.
Most importantly, it demonstrates that Rivers people are ready for a fresh political order built on ideas, capacity, accountability, inclusion, and development-driven leadership”.
Dimkpa said that ADC in Rivers remained committed to transparent processes, internal democracy, peaceful engagement, and issue-based politics ahead of preparations for 2027.
