Wike Ally Chinda poised for Rivers APC governorship ticket after major withdrawals

The path appears increasingly clear for Ogundu Chinda, a lawmaker representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency and ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to emerge as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.

This follows a series of dramatic withdrawals by key aspirants, including the incumbent governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from the party’s governorship race.

Fubara announced his withdrawal in a personally signed statement released on Wednesday, explaining that his decision was driven by the need to preserve peace, stability, and political unity in Rivers State amid the lingering crisis within the state’s political landscape.

The governor’s withdrawal immediately altered the dynamics of the APC governorship contest and significantly strengthened Chinda’s chances ahead of the party primaries scheduled for Thursday.

Shortly after Fubara stepped aside, another aspirant, George-Kelly Alabo, also announced his withdrawal from the governorship race, further narrowing the field of contenders.

Earlier, the APC’s governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, Tonye Cole, had withdrawn from the 2027 contest, creating what political observers now describe as a major advantage for Chinda within the ruling party.

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With the exits of Fubara, Cole, and Alabo, analysts believe Chinda now stands as the leading figure positioned to secure the APC governorship ticket in Rivers State.

The development comes amid continued political tension between Fubara and Wike, whose relationship deteriorated shortly after the governor assumed office in 2023.

Although several reconciliation efforts and peace agreements were initiated to resolve the political crisis between both camps, the rivalry has continued to shape the political atmosphere in Rivers State.

Observers note that Wike’s recent arrival in Port Harcourt ahead of the APC governorship primaries further heightened political speculation over the likely outcome of the contest and the alignment of forces within the party.

The unfolding political events now strongly suggest that Fubara may not seek re-election as governor in 2027, marking a dramatic shift in Rivers State politics.

Political analysts say the governor’s withdrawal may have been influenced by growing internal pressures, strategic calculations within the APC, and ongoing efforts to avoid deepening divisions within the party structure.

Reacting to the latest developments, human rights lawyer Chetam Nwala alleged that Fubara was never fully committed to contesting the governorship race.

“He has never been in the race. He was pretending all along, as he has always done,” Nwala said while reacting to the governor’s decision to step aside.

The withdrawals have already generated mixed reactions across Rivers State, with supporters of different political blocs offering contrasting interpretations of the unfolding situation.

While some APC stakeholders view the withdrawals as part of broader efforts to maintain unity within the ruling party, others believe the moves reflect the intense political influence and strategic maneuvering currently shaping the state’s political future.