A loyalist of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, has been cleared to participate in the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections.
Chinda, who recently declared interest in the governorship race, is expected to contest the APC ticket alongside incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other aspirants seeking the party’s nomination.
The APC screening committee reportedly cleared the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency representative to participate in the primary election scheduled for May 21.
Although Wike has yet to publicly endorse any aspirant for the contest, party insiders believe Chinda could secure the support of the former Rivers State governor if he emerges victorious at the primary.
The development comes amid ongoing political tension between Wike and Fubara over control of the political structure in Rivers State.
Wike had previously declared that Fubara would not secure a second term in office and vowed to unveil his preferred candidate at the appropriate time.
Political observers say Chinda’s entrance into the race may further intensify the battle for the APC governorship ticket as the party prepares for a crucial contest ahead of the 2027 general election.
