Rivers State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Chukwudi Dimkpa, says the party is considering consensus as its preferred method for selecting candidates ahead of future elections, while remaining open to direct primaries where necessary.
Speaking during an interview, Dimkpa said the party’s position is in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, which permits political parties to adopt either direct primaries or consensus arrangements in choosing candidates.
According to him, consensus remains the more practical option because it reduces costs and helps build unity within the party from the outset, while also limiting the disputes that often arise after party primaries.
He explained, however, that the party would proceed with direct primaries if a consensus option does not produce the most suitable candidate.
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 said the ADC in Rivers State is distinguishing itself by operating as a people-centred political platform rather than one controlled by influential individuals or established power blocs.
He noted that the party is committed to returning decision-making power to ordinary members and the wider public, including residents and business owners in the state, by giving them a meaningful role in determining who emerges as candidates.
The ADC chairman added that candidates with genuine grassroots support are less vulnerable to electoral manipulation because they already enjoy public acceptance.
He said the party’s approach is aimed at ensuring that the political process is owned by the people rather than a handful of political actors.
“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 participation, Dimkpa said the ADC is creating space for younger people and women to become actively involved in leadership and governance.
He stated that the party already reserves a significant portion of opportunities for both groups, describing the ADC as a platform where emerging leaders can grow without being overshadowed by long-established political figures.
Dimkpa argued that unlike some older political parties where younger aspirants often struggle to advance, the ADC offers a more open system that encourages inclusion, fairness, and broader grassroots participation.