Dr. Allen Idaso Ezekiel Hart has declared himself the governorship flag bearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, amid controversy surrounding the party’s primary process.
Hart claimed he emerged as the preferred candidate among seven aspirants contesting for the party’s ticket before the exercise was allegedly disrupted by certain individuals.
According to him, delegates overwhelmingly supported his candidacy based on what he described as his proven credentials, achievements and political experience.
The former aspirant also dismissed claims allegedly made by fellow contestant Fara Dagogo that other aspirants had stepped down in his favour.
Hart maintained that he never contemplated withdrawing from the race for any candidate.
“At no point did I step down for anybody in the governorship primary. The public should disregard such insinuations and statements being circulated on social media,” he said.
He further alleged that Dagogo contacted him to congratulate him as the ADC governorship candidate, a development he described as surprising.
“How can I step down for someone I am better than politically and otherwise? I remain in the race because I believe I am the most qualified among the aspirants,” Hart stated.
He appealed to the national leadership of the ADC to intervene in the crisis rocking the party in Rivers State and sanction individuals allegedly creating confusion within the party structure.
According to him, the ADC remains the political party best positioned to restore peace and stability in Rivers State ahead of the next election cycle.
Hart also condemned what he described as attempts to impose candidates on the party, insisting that the ADC belongs to all members and not to a few individuals.
He called on the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to resolve the dispute amicably in the overall interest of the party.
The ADC aspirant equally distanced himself from individuals allegedly invoking the name of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the Rivers political dispute.
He urged party members and supporters not to drag the former vice president into local political disagreements or attempt to use his name to gain political advantage.
“We must respect our leaders and avoid actions capable of damaging their image or integrity,” Hart said.
He further stressed the need for unity within the party, warning against what he described as brigandage and hooliganism in the state’s political environment.
Hart also urged the ADC leadership to avoid a repeat of situations that allegedly affected opposition parties during the 2019 and 2023 elections through the imposition of candidates.
