Chinda Set to Secure Rivers Governorship Ticket After Withdrawals

Ogundu Chinda is set to clinch the governorship ticket for Rivers State following the withdrawals of key candidates Siminalayi Fubara, Tony Cole, and Georg Kelli Alabo from the race. Fubara, the incumbent governor, announced his withdrawal in a statement signed on Wednesday, which is seen as a strategic move to promote peace within the state.

Tony Cole, who was earlier ruled as the flag bearer for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general elections, also announced his withdrawal from the 2027 governorship race. The withdrawals come ahead of the APC governorship primaries scheduled for Thursday, giving Chinda a significant edge in securing the party's nomination.

The political landscape in Rivers State has been tense, especially between Wike and Fubara, despite previous peace agreements. Human rights lawyer Chetam Nwala has alleged that the governor's interest in the race is not genuine.