The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced Ogundu Kingsley Chinda as its governorship candidate for Rivers State ahead of the 2027 general election.…....
Chinda was declared the winner of the party’s primary election on Thursday after the collation of votes from wards across the 23 local government areas of the state.
The result was announced at the APC secretariat by the Chairman of the party’s Governorship Screening Committee for Rivers State, Bitrus Kwamoti.
Announcing the outcome of the primary election, Kwamoti said Chinda emerged victorious with a total of 268,497 votes.
Kwamoti described the exercise as peaceful and successful, commending party members for their conduct throughout the process.
Chinda’s emergence followed days of intense political consultations, strategic negotiations, and coordinated withdrawals by other aspirants.
Rivers governor, Simi Fubara was among those who withdrew from the elections, which he confirmed in a statement he personally signed, 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.
Who is Chinda?
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.
