Dr Sokonte Davies, the Rivers State governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has expressed disappointment after failing to secure the party’s ticket in the May 2026 primary election, prompting his shift to the Rainbow Coalition, a political alliance led by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike. The ADC responded to Davies’ decision with a statement acknowledging his right to choose his political path while questioning the logic behind joining a coalition that does not currently offer a governorship platform.
Davies met with Wike in Port Harcourt on Wednesday morning to formally announce his allegiance to the Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections. This move marks a significant shift in his political trajectory, as he transitions from seeking a party nomination to aligning with a broad-based coalition without an official gubernatorial ticket at this time. The ADC, in its reaction, stated that it is “struggling to follow the mathematics” of Davies’ decision, especially since the expected next step for someone dissatisfied with a party’s primary outcome would be to seek a ticket from another party that actually offers one.
The party emphasized that while politics involves personal choice and Davies is free to make his own decisions, it remains puzzled by the strategic direction of his new alliance. “If the grievance was about not getting a governorship ticket in the ADC, one would have expected the next destination to be somewhere a governorship ticket was actually available,” the ADC noted. Despite the criticism, the party affirmed that Davies has every right to pursue his preferred political course.
The ADC also expressed hope that once the initial excitement of new alliances and public appearances fades, Davies will find the political fulfillment he sought but did not achieve within the ADC. The party’s statement carries a tone of cautious observation, recognizing the fluid nature of Nigerian politics while subtly questioning the long-term viability of Davies’ new alignment.
This development adds another layer to the evolving political landscape in Rivers State, where alliances are frequently reshaped ahead of major elections. As the 2027 polls approach, figures like Davies are seen as key players who could influence voter dynamics through their shifting loyalties. The Rainbow Coalition, under Wike’s leadership, continues to position itself as a unifying force for opposition candidates across Nigeria, though its structure remains more symbolic than institutional at this stage.
With Davies now part of this broader network, his future role in Rivers State politics will depend on how the coalition evolves and whether it eventually fields candidates for governorship. For now, his move underscores the unpredictable nature of Nigerian electoral politics, where personal ambition often drives realignment even in the absence of clear structural support.
Leave a Comment