The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State has elected Sir Gabriel Baritulem Pidomson, a former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections. This followed the conclusion of the party's primaries conducted across all 23 local government areas of the state.
Pidomson emerged victorious after securing 112,086 votes to defeat four other aspirants in what party officials described as a highly competitive exercise held on Saturday. The results were announced at the party secretariat in Port Harcourt by the Chairperson of the ADC Primary Election Committee in Rivers State, Mrs. Carol Obaro Uloho, after the collation of votes.
According to her, "Therefore, the highest score here I have, 112,086 votes for Gabriel Pidomson, have satisfied the requirements of the ADC and the constitution, scored the highest votes and is hereby declared the winner of the primary election and is returned elected as the ADC gubernatorial candidate in Rivers State this day, 22nd of May, 2026."
The party also produced its senatorial candidates for the three senatorial districts in the state. For Rivers East Senatorial District, Samuel N. Agwor emerged as the candidate after polling 65,890 votes. Otto Josiah secured the ticket for Rivers West Senatorial District with 24,670 votes. In Rivers South-East Senatorial District, former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Sir Tele Bertram Ikuru, emerged as the candidate after polling 19,223 votes.
In his acceptance speech shortly after his declaration, Pidomson described his emergence as "a sacred trust handed to us by the people of Rivers State," saying the victory represented hope, unity, and a new direction for the state. The ADC governorship candidate stated that the primary election marked the beginning of a movement aimed at rebuilding Rivers State through people-oriented governance, economic development, and inclusive leadership.
"Today, the voice of hope has defeated fear. The voice of unity has defeated division. The voice of the people has defeated political intimidation. And the future has defeated the past," he said.
Pidomson noted that his emergence coincided with his birthday, describing it as an emotional and memorable moment for him and his family. "This victory will forever remain more than a political moment; it is a sacred memory we shall carry for the rest of our lives," he added.
The governorship candidate commended party members, aspirants, and supporters for what he described as a peaceful and transparent process. He also expressed appreciation to former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, for providing what he called a level playing field for all aspirants. Pidomson acknowledged aspirants who stepped down for him before and during the primaries, including Prof. Henry Ogboma, Hon. Asita, Arch. Tom Inko-Tariah, and Sir Tele Bertram Ikuru.
Pidomson assured party members that the primary contest was over and called for unity ahead of the 2027 elections. "We are no longer aspirants competing against one another. We are now one family marching together for the liberation and transformation of Rivers State," he said.
Outlining his vision for the state, Pidomson promised to pursue youth empowerment, improved infrastructure, economic growth, quality healthcare, educational reforms, security, and equitable development across all local government areas. He said his administration, if elected, would focus on building institutions, creating opportunities, and restoring confidence in governance.
"A Rivers State where businesses can thrive with stable power, security, infrastructure and transparent governance. A Rivers State where healthcare works. A Rivers State where no community feels abandoned," he stated.
Pidomson further assured that the ADC campaign would be issue-based and devoid of violence, intimidation, or bitterness. "Our campaign will not be built on hatred. It will not be built on violence. It will not be built on bitterness. We shall run a campaign of ideas, courage, discipline and people-centred solutions," he said.
He subsequently called on party supporters across wards and local government areas to begin grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2027 governorship election, expressing confidence that "a new Rivers is possible."
