The National Democratic Congress (NDC) on Friday, May 29, 2026, reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles as party members across Rivers State participated in peaceful, transparent, and well-organised primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The exercise, conducted simultaneously across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state and in other parts of the country, featured elections for various positions, including the Presidency, Governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly.
A major highlight of the exercise was the impressive support garnered by the Rivers State governorship aspirant, Opuda, Alabo Dumo Lulu-Briggs. At his polling centre in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, the respected businessman, philanthropist, and community leader emerged unopposed, with no other governorship aspirant contesting at the venue.
Preliminary reports from several local government areas across the state indicate a similar trend, with delegates and party faithful reportedly giving overwhelming support to Chief Lulu-Briggs. The early indications reflect the growing acceptance of his vision for a more united, prosperous, and progressive Rivers State.
While the official statewide results remain subject to collation and ratification by the party’s national leadership, the outcome of the primaries has further underscored the confidence many stakeholders and party members have continued to place in the leadership capacity and developmental agenda championed by the governorship hopeful.
Observers who monitored the exercise commended the orderly conduct of the primaries, describing the process as peaceful, credible, and transparent. The impressive turnout of delegates and stakeholders was also viewed as a positive sign of the party’s growing momentum and readiness for the 2027 electoral contest.
A Message of Gratitude and Unity
Speaking after the exercise, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs expressed profound appreciation to party members, delegates, leaders, and supporters across Rivers State for their trust, encouragement, and commitment to the democratic process.
He described the peaceful conduct of the primaries as a victory for democracy and a reflection of the maturity, discipline, and unity that continue to define the National Democratic Congress.
According to him, the outcome of the exercise should not be seen as a personal triumph but as a collective achievement for all party members and stakeholders who share a common vision for the future of Rivers State.
Chief Lulu-Briggs commended delegates and party faithful for conducting themselves peacefully throughout the process and urged members to sustain the spirit of unity and cooperation as the party prepares for the next phase of its political journey.
He noted that Rivers State stands at a critical point in its development and that leaders and citizens must work together to expand opportunities, strengthen institutions, promote economic growth, and improve the quality of life of the people.
The governorship aspirant also reaffirmed his commitment to issue-based politics, inclusive leadership, and sustainable development, stressing that the welfare and aspirations of the people would remain at the centre of his vision for the state.
As the NDC awaits the completion of the collation process and official ratification of the results by its national leadership, political observers believe the successful conduct of the primaries has further strengthened the party’s cohesion and positioned it favourably for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.