Wike’s political ally Chinda clinches Rivers APC governorship ticket

Kingsley Chinda, a member of the House of Representatives, has clinched the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket for Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.

Chinda, a former minority leader of the green chamber and the sole contestant, was declared winner of the primary election on Thursday by Bitrus Kwamoti, chairman of the election committee.

Kwamoti said Chinda, who represents Obio/Akpor federal constituency, secured 268,497 votes.

Speaking after the exercise, Chinda, widely recognised as an ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, said he would govern with “fear of God and respect for the rule of law” if elected governor.

He promised sincerity in governance and accountability, adding that a peaceful and progressive Rivers State was possible.

On Wednesday, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Tonye Cole and Dax George-Kelly withdrew from the APC governorship primary, with Fubara describing his withdrawal as a sacrifice for peace and unity in the state.

The APC screening committee had earlier disqualified dozens of Fubara associates in the Rivers State House of Assembly primaries while clearing aspirants loyal to Wike.

Fubara and Wike have been engaged in a prolonged political rivalry that has fuelled tensions within the state’s political structure.