The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has nominated David Amapakaye Okumgba as its deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State, completing the party’s ticket ahead of the poll. The announcement is part of the party’s efforts to strengthen its preparations for the election and present what it describes as a balanced leadership team.
Okumgba will run alongside the party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Gabriel Baritulem Pidomson, who emerged as the ADC’s flag bearer after the party’s primary election conducted across the state. Party leaders expressed confidence that the combination of Pidomson and Okumgba would provide credible leadership and offer Rivers residents an alternative choice in the 2027 governorship race.
Speaking during the announcement, ADC officials described Okumgba as a committed party member with leadership qualities and experience that would complement the governorship candidate. They said his nomination reflected the party’s commitment to presenting candidates with the capacity to address the political, economic, and developmental challenges facing Rivers State.
The party noted that the selection followed consultations with stakeholders and was aimed at promoting unity within its ranks ahead of the election. According to the ADC, the choice of deputy governorship candidate was based on competence, integrity, and the desire to build a strong campaign structure capable of reaching voters across the state’s 23 local government areas.
Party leaders urged members to close ranks and focus on grassroots mobilization as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum. They called on supporters to intensify voter engagement and promote the party’s programmes, emphasizing that unity would be essential to achieving electoral success.
Responding to his nomination, Okumgba expressed appreciation to the party leadership and delegates for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to work closely with Pidomson to advance the party’s vision for good governance, economic growth, improved infrastructure, quality healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and security if elected.
He also appealed to party faithful to remain united and committed throughout the campaign period, stressing that collective effort would be necessary to achieve victory at the polls. According to him, the ADC is determined to provide issue-based leadership focused on addressing the needs and aspirations of Rivers people.
Political analysts say the announcement marks another important step in the build-up to the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State, where political parties are gradually unveiling their candidates and strengthening campaign structures. They note that the emergence of complete governorship tickets is expected to shape political alignments and increase campaign activities across the state.
The ADC has maintained that its campaign will focus on policy-driven discussions rather than personal attacks, urging political actors to conduct themselves peacefully and in accordance with the law. The party also called on the electorate to assess candidates based on their competence, character, and commitment to public service.
With the nomination of David Amapakaye Okumgba as deputy governorship candidate, the ADC says it is ready to intensify consultations with stakeholders and present its vision for the future of Rivers State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
