The Rivers State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chukwudi Dimkpa, has said the party is considering consensus as its preferred method for selecting candidates in upcoming elections, while keeping the option of direct primaries open.
Speaking during an interview, Dimkpa explained that the party’s position is consistent with the Electoral Act, which permits political parties to adopt either consensus arrangements or direct primaries when choosing candidates.
He noted that consensus is often the more practical route, as it reduces the financial burden of conducting primaries and fosters unity within the party from the early stages. According to him, it also helps minimise the disputes that frequently arise after primary elections.
He said, “Consensus builds unity early and it also avoids all those post-primary issues that come up.
“But, we are open to picking the best. If we can’t achieve consensus, we will definitely be on the field doing direct primaries.”
Dimkpa further stated that the ADC in Rivers State is positioning itself as a people-centred political platform, distinct from parties that are dominated by powerful individuals or entrenched political blocs.
He explained that the party is focused on returning decision-making power to ordinary members and the broader public, including residents and business owners, by giving them a meaningful role in determining candidates.
According to him, candidates who emerge through genuine grassroots support are less susceptible to electoral manipulation, as they already enjoy widespread acceptance among voters.
“The ADC in River States, and you can even see on the National, we are people-centred, we are not power-centred.
“So, the difference is that we are not up to individuals or strong power blocs as being the ones with the authority.
“We are actually taking the power back to the people.
“So, the difference the ADC is going to be doing is that every single member, even the public, the people who reside and do business in River States will have a say.
“So, if we have popular candidates, you can’t rig them.
“People are going to own the process. So, the ADC is actually here to give power to the people and not an individual or a set of power mongers,” he stated.
On youth and gender inclusion, Dimkpa said the party is deliberately creating opportunities for young people and women to participate actively in leadership and governance.
He added that the ADC already reserves a significant portion of its political space for these groups, positioning itself as a platform where emerging leaders can grow without being overshadowed by long-established political figures.
Dimkpa argued that, unlike some older parties where younger aspirants often struggle to gain traction, the ADC offers a more open and inclusive system that encourages fairness, participation, and grassroots involvement.
