INEC includes OK Chinda’s name as the Rivers State APC governorship candidate

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday published its final list of candidates for the 2027 Rivers State governorship election, and it includes Kingsley Ogundu Chinda as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Chinda, 60, is a member of the House of Representatives for Obio/Akpor and a close ally of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. He is listed with Jack Major Miakiapuye as his running mate. He emerged as the APC candidate in the May 21 primary, where he was declared winner with 268,497 votes.

His inclusion comes amid a dispute over his eligibility, linked to a Supreme Court judgment on party membership. The Rivers APC rejects the challenge, saying he registered as a member 24 days before the primary, beyond the party’s 21-day requirement.

The list has 19 candidates in all. They include Gabriel Baritulem Pidomson of the ADC, running with David Amapakaye Okumgba; Samuel Soni Ejekwu of the PDP; and Dumo Owukori Lulu-Briggs of the NDC. The list was signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

Sources: Channels TV, Leadership, Gazette NGR, Newsquest Nigeria.