Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has thrown his weight behind the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Rivers State, Kingsley Chinda, ahead of the 2027 election.
Wike declared Chinda the next governor of Rivers State during a reception organised in his honour by Ogbakor Ikwerre, the socio-cultural organisation of the Ikwerre people.
The event was held on Tuesday at Obiri-Ehie, where Wike addressed a gathering of political leaders and other dignitaries.
Introducing Chinda, Wike described the former House of Representatives Minority Leader as the state’s next governor.
“Former Minority Leader in the House of Representatives and, by the grace of God, the next governor of Rivers State,” Wike said.
The endorsement is significant given Wike’s continued influence in Rivers politics.
Chinda, a sitting member of the House of Representatives, is regarded as a close ally of the former governor and has been linked to Wike’s political camp for years.
His emergence as the APC candidate followed major political realignments in Rivers State.
Chinda’s previous position as Minority Leader in the House of Representatives has also boosted his profile ahead of the governorship contest.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has indicated that he will not seek a second term, leaving the race open for a new occupant of the Government House in 2027.
Wike’s declaration is expected to strengthen Chinda’s campaign and could influence political alliances across the state.
The former governor is also expected to deploy his political network and grassroots structures in support of the APC candidate.
With the 2027 election approaching, Wike’s endorsement has added another layer to the political battle in Rivers State, where rival parties are expected to intensify their campaigns.
