May 21, (THEWILL) — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially confirmed former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ogundu Kingsley Chinda, as its governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections in Rivers State, following the conclusion of the party’s governorship primary election held on Thursday in Port Harcourt.
Chinda’s emergence, which followed days of intense political consultations, strategic negotiations, and coordinated withdrawals by other aspirants, also confirmed an earlier THEWILL exclusive report indicating that he had emerged as the preferred candidate of influential stakeholders within the Rivers APC ahead of Thursday’s primary.
THEWILL had also exclusively reported growing uncertainty surrounding the political future of Governor Siminalayi Fubara within the APC amid indications that President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, were opposed to Fubara securing the APC governorship ticket for a second term.
The earlier report further highlighted concerns within the governor’s political camp following the disqualification of several political figures and aspirants believed to be aligned with him, as loyalists of Wike consolidated control of the Rivers APC structure ahead of the primary election.
Before the withdrawals, the APC had cleared four aspirants — Fubara, former APC governorship candidate Tonye Cole, George-Kelly Alabo, and Ogundu Kingsley Chinda — to participate in the governorship primary.
However, following days of mounting political tension, consultations, and high-level meetings among major stakeholders within the Rivers APC, the three aspirants stepped down from the race in what party insiders described as a coordinated consensus arrangement aimed at preserving party unity and preventing a divisive primary contest ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development was formally announced by the Chairman of the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee and Returning Officer, Bitrus Kwamoti, at the APC Secretariat in Port Harcourt after collation of results from the 23 local government areas of the state.
Kwamoti declared that Chinda, who emerged as the sole aspirant after the withdrawals, polled a total of 268,497 votes.
“I, Kwamoti Bitrus, chairman of the Governorship Primary Election Committee, here certify that I am the Returning Officer for the Rivers State Governorship Primary Election held on this day, 21st day of May, 2026.
“The name of the aspirant, which is the sole aspirant, is Chinda Ogundu Kingsley. He scored the total number of votes, 268,497.
“Ogundu Kingsley, having satisfied the requirements of the APC constitution and guidelines and scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared the winner of the primary election and is, in return, elected as the party’s governorship candidate for Rivers State,” he stated.
Fubara confirmed his withdrawal in a personally signed statement titled, “My Decision To Withdraw From The Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries.”
The governor said the decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family members, friends, and political associates.
“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people. Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest,” Fubara stated.
The governor also hinted at difficult political circumstances behind his decision, saying, “I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else.”
Fubara further thanked President Tinubu and the APC leadership for their support throughout the process.
Similarly, Tonye Cole announced his withdrawal in the interest of party unity, peace, and collective progress, stressing his belief in dialogue and reconciliation within the Rivers APC.
George-Kelly Alabo also cited party supremacy, strategic alignment, and consultations with stakeholders as reasons for stepping down from the race, while pledging support for whoever emerged as the party’s candidate.
Political observers say the consensus arrangement reflected growing efforts within the APC to stabilise the party structure in Rivers State ahead of the governorship election.
Chinda’s emergence has equally drawn renewed attention to his extensive political and professional background.
Born on March 24, 1966, in Elelenwo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chinda is regarded as one of the most experienced political figures from the state, with decades of experience spanning law, public administration, and legislative leadership.
He attended State School 1 Orogbum, Stella Maris College Port Harcourt, Rivers State School of Basic Studies, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, and later the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, where he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1995.
Before entering partisan politics fully, Chinda built a distinguished legal career as a leading partner in the law firm of Onyeagucha, Chinda and Associates, earning recognition in environmental law, public interest litigation, and human rights advocacy.
His political career later saw him serve as Commissioner for Environment in Rivers State before emerging as a federal lawmaker representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Over the years, Chinda became one of the most vocal lawmakers from Rivers State, championing debates on constitutional reform, democratic governance, federalism, and national unity.
His elevation as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives further cemented his reputation as one of the most influential politicians from Rivers State in Nigeria’s democratic history.
Observers also point to his longstanding political relationship with Wike as a major factor in his growing influence within the Rivers APC.
Like Wike, Chinda hails from Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, regarded as one of the most politically strategic local government areas in Rivers State.
Supporters describe Chinda as calm, articulate, and politically experienced, with a broad grassroots network, legislative exposure, and strong national political connections.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
