Kingsley Chinda, a core ally of the FCT Minister and Former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State ahead of the 2027 election.
Chinda, a member of the House of Representatives, who represents Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency was the sole aspirant in the race. He was declared winner of the party’s governorship primary on Thursday by Bitrus Kwamoti, chairman of the APC election committee.
Announcing the result, Kwamoti said Chinda secured 268,497 votes to clinch the APC ticket.
In his acceptance speech, Chinda promised to provide transparent and accountable leadership if elected governor, pledging to govern with the fear of God and respect for the rule of law.
“Rivers people should expect sincerity in governance and proper accountability. A peaceful and progressive Rivers State is coming again,” he said.
Fubara, Cole, George-Kelly Step Down
Chinda’s emergence followed the withdrawal of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, businessman Tonye Cole and former Commissioner for Works Dax George-Kelly from the APC governorship primary on Wednesday.
Fubara said he decided to step down from the race out of conviction and sacrifice to allow peace, unity and progress to prevail in the state.
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The governor’s withdrawal came days after he and Chinda were screened by the APC governorship screening committee.
His appearance at the screening exercise had fuelled speculation after he left the venue without speaking to journalists. Reports indicated that he appeared unhappy following the exercise, prompting rumours that he had been disqualified.
Earlier, the APC screening committee had reportedly disqualified several associates of the governor seeking tickets for the Rivers State House of Assembly, while aspirants considered loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike were cleared to contest.
Political Rift Shapes APC Contest
The governorship primary took place against the backdrop of the prolonged political crisis between Fubara and Wike, a feud that has continued to shape the political landscape in Rivers State.
The rivalry between both camps led to several political confrontations, including attempts by lawmakers aligned with Wike to remove the governor from office through impeachment proceedings.
Wike had openly opposed Fubara’s second-term ambition, accusing the governor of violating a peace agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu to resolve the political crisis in the state.
With Chinda now carrying the APC flag into the 2027 governorship election, attention is expected to shift to the wider political contest as parties prepare for what promises to be a fiercely contested race in Rivers State.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.