The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State is projecting a message of internal consolidation after Hon. Ogundu Kingsley Chinda emerged as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election following the withdrawal of three other aspirants from the race. Party officials say the outcome reflects a strategic effort to reposition the APC ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested governorship poll in the state.
Chinda secured the party’s ticket on Wednesday night after standing unopposed during the primary process. The Chairman of the Governorship Primary Committee, Kwamoti Bitrus, announced that the sole aspirant received 268,497 votes. According to him, party members participated actively in the exercise, while electoral officials and party agents ensured the process was completed without disruption.
The development followed the withdrawal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Tonye Cole and Alabo Dakorinama George-Kelly from the contest before voting commenced. Political observers say the withdrawals significantly altered the dynamics of the race and reduced the possibility of internal divisions within the party at a critical stage of preparations for the 2027 elections.
Chinda, who currently represents Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, is also the Minority Leader of the 10th Assembly. He was elected into the National Assembly on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, making his emergence under the APC banner one of the notable political shifts in Rivers State ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Reacting to the outcome, APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Chibike Ikenga, said the party had undergone what he described as a recalibration process. He stated that the emergence of Chinda demonstrates that the APC is reorganising its structures with the aim of presenting a united front and strengthening its chances in the governorship election. Party officials also described Chinda as a candidate capable of driving development and rebuilding confidence among supporters.
Analysts say the APC’s ability to manage withdrawals and produce a consensus-style candidate without major public disputes could shape political alignments in Rivers State in the coming months. Attention is now expected to shift to how the party navigates reconciliation efforts, builds alliances and positions itself against rival political interests as campaigns gradually gather momentum ahead of 2027.
