Chinda Named APC Governorship Candidate for Rivers State

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially included Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the upcoming 2027 general elections. Chinda, who currently serves as a member of the House of Representatives for Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency and is a close ally of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, emerged as the APC candidate after a primary held on May 21, 2026, where he was the only aspirant following the withdrawal of other candidates, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The primary returning officer, Bitrus Kwamoti, announced Chinda as the winner with 268,497 votes from the state's 23 local government areas. Despite his inclusion, there are ongoing legal controversies regarding his eligibility, particularly following a Supreme Court judgment in late September 2026.

The Rivers APC has rejected challenges to Chinda’s candidacy, asserting he registered as a party member 24 days before the primary, surpassing the 21-day requirement. Legal challenges remain pending, with one case at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt adjourned to November 4, 2026.

Chinda's running mate is Major Jack, the Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly.