The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has concluded its House of Representatives primaries across the state, producing candidates in multiple federal constituencies in what the party described as a test of its grassroots readiness ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The primaries, conducted across various constituencies, came amid increasing political activity in Rivers after the recent realignments and growing competition among major parties preparing for the next electoral cycle.
In a statement issued on Sunday after the exercise, the party said the conduct of aspirants and party members during the primaries reflected what it called a disciplined internal process, while projecting confidence about the ADC’s chances in the state.
Results released by the party showed that Maclean B. Uranta emerged candidate for Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency with 4,170 votes, while Akio David Allen secured the ticket for Abua/Odual/Ahoada East with 5,104 votes.
In Ahoada West/ONELGA, Manuwa M. Ogiri polled 6,365 votes to emerge candidate, while Douglas Dodiyi-Manuel W. won the Akulga/Asalga ticket with 3,074 votes.
George Banigo secured the Degema/Bonny ticket after polling 5,001 votes, as Obarine Wai Ogosu emerged candidate for Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo with 3,281 votes.
For Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency, Christain C. Amaechi polled 6,215 votes to clinch the party’s ticket, while Asomei Augustine Onyebuchi secured 11,052 votes in Ikwerre/Emohua.
One of the highest vote counts recorded during the exercise came from Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, where Gbaragba Dumka Neebee polled 18,255 votes.
In Obio/Akpor, King Tony Gboms emerged candidate with 6,829 votes, while Ikpuku Golden P. secured 5,301 votes to win the Okrika/Ogu/Bolo primary.
The party also produced Omodu Jack West Worlu as candidate for Port Harcourt Federal Constituency after polling 6,256 votes, while Dickens Worlu emerged winner in Port Harcourt 2 with 369 votes.
Beyond the announcement of candidates, the primaries appeared to serve another purpose for the party which is nothing short of projecting organisational depth at constituency level in a state where political influence has traditionally revolved around dominant personalities and established structures.
ADC officials said the exercise demonstrated that the party was building support “ward by ward” and “constituency by constituency” rather than relying solely on elite endorsements ahead of 2027.
The party also commended aspirants for what it described as their peaceful conduct during the primaries, noting that the process was concluded without major reports of violence or internal disruption.
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That message appeared carefully framed against the backdrop of recurring tensions and disputes that often trail party primaries in Rivers politics, where defections, factional battles and allegations of imposition have repeatedly shaped electoral contests.
Although the ADC statement projected optimism about the party’s growing presence, the real test may lie beyond the primaries, particularly in translating internal mobilisation into broader electoral support across the state’s politically divided landscape.
The party acknowledged that its candidates would now need to intensify grassroots engagement ahead of the general elections by strengthening ward structures and expanding outreach among youths, women, traders, professionals, students and riverine communities
It added that issues such as jobs, infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and environmental concerns would remain central to its campaign conversations ahead of 2027.
The primaries come at a period of heightened political recalculation in Rivers State, with parties increasingly repositioning in the midst of uncertainty over alliances, defections, and emerging power blocs expected to shape the governorship and legislative contests.
