Wike’s ally Kingsley Chinda clinches Rivers APC governorship ticket

By Precious Akutamadu

Kingsley Chinda, an ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and minority leader of the House of Representatives has emerged the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for 2027 Rivers governorship election.

Chinda, who was elected into the House of Representatives on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party was declared the winner of the APC primary for Rivers governorship election on Thursday.

The lawmaker was elected unopposed as Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, Mr Tonye Cole, and George Kelly who had earlier indicated interest in flying the APC flag in the 2027 Rivers governorship election withdrew from the race.

Mr Bitrus Kwamoti, the Returning Officer, announced that Chinda who was returned unopposed, polled a total of 268,497 votes.

He said that the figure represented the number of APC faithful that voted in support of Chinda across the state.

“The figure represents a true and accurate record of the votes collated across the state during the exercise,” he said.

Kwamoti added Chinda satisfied the requirements of the APC constitution and guidelines for the election.

The returning officer said that the election was peacefully and orderly conducted in all the wards across the state.

“The exercise was free, fair and orderly. It was in line with the party’s constitution and guidelines,” he said.

Kwamoti commended party members and people of Rivers for their orderly conduct during the exercise.

Chief Felix Obuah, an APC chieftain in Rivers, said that with Chinda, the party now stood a formidable chance of winning the governorship poll in Rivers.

“Our party has presented the best candidate for the governorship election. I am personally grateful to God.

“With the outcome of this exercise, I can tell you that Rivers people are united irrespective of ethnic background,” he said.

Obuah described Chinda as a dependable and trusted administrator with strong commitment to the development of Rivers.