Rivers APC: Coast clear for Wike’s kinsman after Fubara, Cole, Alabo’s withdrawal

The path is now clear for Ogundu Chinda, 10th National Assembly lawmaker representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency and kinsman of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to clinch the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Rivers State.

This follows the withdrawal of incumbent governor Siminalayi Fubara from the 2027 governorship race. Fubara, in a statement signed on Wednesday, said his decision was aimed at maintaining peace in the state.

Shortly after Fubara’s announcement, George-Kelly Alabo also stepped aside from the APC gubernatorial contest, while Tonye Cole, the party’s flag bearer in the 2023 general elections, had previously withdrawn his candidacy for the 2027 race.

The withdrawals of Fubara, Cole, and Alabo ahead of Thursday’s APC governorship primaries give Chinda a clear advantage to secure the party’s ticket.

Recall that Wike, former governor of Rivers State, visited Port Harcourt in the days leading up to the APC primaries, signalling his support for Chinda.

Human rights lawyer, Chetam Nwala, reacting to Fubara’s withdrawal, alleged that the governor had never been genuinely interested in the race.

“He has never been in the race. He was pretending all along, as he has always done,” Nwala said.

Tonye Cole, in his own statement, said his withdrawal was in the overriding interest of party unity, peace, and collective progress. He pledged support for whoever emerges as the APC candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State.

“Following extensive consultations with my political team, associates, supporters, and other key stakeholders, I have decided to withdraw from the forthcoming primaries to respect the supremacy of the party and maintain stability in Rivers State,” Cole said.

He thanked his supporters, including women groups, youth organisations, and party loyalists across the state, and said he would continue to champion the ideals and aspirations that have guided his political journey.

Cole urged his supporters to remain calm and cooperate fully with the leadership of the APC as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The APC governorship primary in Rivers State is scheduled to hold on Thursday, May 21, 2026.