The political chessboard in Rivers State has taken a massive turn ahead of the 2027 general elections. Kingsley Chinda, a prominent member of the House of Representatives and a fierce ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has officially clinched the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial ticket for the state.
Chinda, who formerly served as the minority leader in the green chamber, emerged as the sole contestant during Thursday's primary election. Bitrus Kwamoti, the chairman of the APC election committee, declared Chinda the winner after he secured a landslide 268,497 votes from the delegates.A Promises of Sincerity and Accountability
Representing the Obio/Akpor federal constituency, Chinda spoke with optimism shortly after his victory was announced. He promised a new dawn for the state if elected governor, pledging to lead with transparency."Rivers people should expect sincerity in governance and proper accountability. A peaceful and progressive Rivers State is coming again," Chinda stated, emphasizing his commitment to the "fear of God and respect for the rule of law."The Dramatic Blueprint to Victory
Chinda’s smooth path to the ticket follows a series of high-stakes political withdrawals on Wednesday. In a dramatic twist, the incumbent Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, alongside businessman Tonye Cole and former works commissioner Dax George-Kelly, all pulled out of the primary race. Governor Fubara explained his exit as a personal sacrifice made out of conviction to ensure the state moves forward in peace and unity. The withdrawals came on the heels of intense screening processes. Speculation had been rife after Fubara appeared visibly downcast leaving the screening venue last week, refusing to speak to the press. Observers note that while the APC screening committee disqualified dozens of legislative aspirants loyal to Governor Fubara, candidates firmly in Wike’s camp were given a clean bill of health. The Wike vs. Fubara Power Struggle Continues
This primary outcome marks the latest chapter in the deeply rooted power tussle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The friction between the two leaders previously triggered an impeachment attempt against Fubara by lawmakers heavily aligned with Wike.With Wike openly vowing to block Fubara’s re-election ambitions over an alleged breach of a peace accord brokered by President Bola Tinubu, the stage is officially set. Kingsley Chinda’s emergence as the APC flagbearer secures a major stronghold for the Wike faction as the state marches toward the 2027 polls.
