The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and member representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, Hon. Ogundu Kingsley Chinda, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Rivers State.
Chinda, a political ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, secured 268,497 votes in the APC governorship primary election conducted across the state on Thursday.
The result was announced by the Chairman of the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee in Rivers State, Kwamoti Bitrus, during collation at the party secretariat in Port Harcourt.
The declaration sparked celebrations among party supporters gathered at the APC Secretariat, with many seen dancing and chanting slogans in support of the candidate.
The emergence of Chinda followed the withdrawal of incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the APC governorship race on Wednesday evening.
In a statement announcing his withdrawal, Fubara said his decision was reached after “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with family members, associates, and political allies.
According to the governor, “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 also pledged support for whoever emerged as the APC governorship candidate.
Other aspirants, including Tonye Cole and Dr. George-Kelly D.A., also withdrew from the race, citing party unity and loyalty to the leadership of the APC.
Cole said his decision was informed by consultations and discussions aimed at presenting a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
George-Kelly similarly said his withdrawal followed consultations with political associates and stakeholders after a meeting convened by the party’s national leadership.
Announcing the results, Bitrus said a total of 297,068 votes were recorded during the exercise, with Chinda polling 268,497 votes across the 23 local government areas of the state.
According to the breakdown released by the committee, Chinda secured 28,974 votes in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, 15,946 votes in Port Harcourt, 16,501 votes in Khana, 15,463 votes in Gokana, and 14,678 votes in Eleme, among others.
Bitrus commended party members and stakeholders for the peaceful conduct of the exercise and praised the Rivers APC leadership for creating what he described as a conducive environment for the primary election.
“I Kwamoti Bitrus, chairman of the Governorship Primary Election Committee, hereby certify that Chinda Ogundu Kingsley, having satisfied the requirements of the APC constitution and guidelines and scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared winner of the primary election,” he stated.
Blessing Ibunge
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