Hon. Ogundu Kingsley Chinda has officially emerged as the Rivers State governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Chinda secured the ticket as the sole contestant following a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday night, which saw three prominent aspirants withdraw from the race.
Among those who stepped down were the incumbent Governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara, billionaire businessman, Tonye Cole, and Alabo Dakorinama George-Kelly.
Announcing the results of the primary election, the Chairman of the State Governorship Primary Committee, Kwamoti Bitrus, declared that Chinda polled a total of 268,497 votes in the affirmation exercise.
Bitrus commended the party faithful for their massive turnout and praised the election agents for their dedication to ensuring a smooth process.
He further extended his gratitude to the APC State Chairman for providing a peaceful and conducive environment that allowed the primary to conclude successfully.
The development marks a significant political shift for Chinda, a high-ranking lawmaker who was originally elected to the National Assembly on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Currently representing the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency, Chinda serves as the Minority Leader of the 10th House of Representatives.
His transition to the APC and subsequent emergence as the standard-bearer underscores the rapidly changing political dynamics within the state.
Reacting to the outcome, the APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Chibike Ikenga, stated that the party has undergone a thorough recalibration and reorganization.
Ikenga emphasized that in Chinda, the APC has secured a unifying candidate capable of driving holistic development across Rivers State.
He added that the seamless conduct of the primary is a clear testament to the party’s renewed strength and readiness for the upcoming gubernatorial poll.
