Rivers 2027: Fubara keeps mute as Wike’s camp weighs Chinda, Eji for guber

There is growing suspense in Rivers State as people wait to see who will emerge as the governorship candidate for the next election.

A political coalition, led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is working to choose one candidate.

This coalition includes members from both the ruling and opposition parties.

So far, no major politician, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has publicly said they want to run for governor again.

Wike’s group is believed to control both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) structures in the state.

Sources say Wike is consulting widely and will soon announce his preferred candidate.

Two names are being mentioned:
Kingsley Chinda, Minority Leader in the House of Representatives
Marcus Eji, Executive Director at the South-South Development Commission
Chinda has represented Obio-Akpor

Federal Constituency since 2011 and is seen as loyal to Wike, especially during the state’s political crisis.

Eji, from Eleme, is also a close ally of Wike and was introduced to President Bola Tinubu last year.

Wike has said that ethnicity will not influence his choice.

He also stated that he has not endorsed anyone for the 2027 elections, except President Tinubu.

According to him, he will consult leaders in his camp before making a final decision.

There are also discussions about which party the chosen candidate will use:
If Governor Fubara decides to run again, the coalition’s candidate may stay in PDP and challenge him.

If Fubara does not run, the candidate may move to APC.

Many people are unsure about Fubara’s plans because he has not clearly shown interest in seeking a second term. He has also not rebuilt his political support group, the “Simplified Movement.”

Some believe that even if he runs, he may struggle because he does not control party structures in the state.

However, a source close to the governor said the final decision is his alone and that he still has support from other APC governors and party leaders.

If Fubara depends on Wike’s support, he may not run, as Wike has already said he will not repeat past political “mistakes.”