Wike backs Chinda for Rivers governor as the FCT minister endorses the APC candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike endorsed All Progressives Congress governorship candidate Kingsley Chinda as his preferred successor in Rivers State on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, telling supporters at an Ikwerre socio-cultural gathering in Obiri-Ehie that the former House of Representatives Minority Leader would become the state’s next governor in 2027.
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Wike made the declaration during a reception organised in his honour by Ogbakor Ikwerre, the socio-cultural organisation representing the Ikwerre ethnic nationality.
The former Rivers State governor was welcomed by political figures and community leaders at the event, where he acknowledged the presence of several dignitaries.
While introducing Chinda, Wike described the APC candidate as the “former Minority Leader in the House of Representatives and, by the grace of God, the next governor of Rivers State.”
The statement represents a significant political endorsement as parties and candidates begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Chinda, a serving member of the House of Representatives, has been a longstanding political associate of Wike and has emerged as a prominent figure in the former governor’s political camp.
Wike’s endorsement further strengthens the perception that Chinda is the former governor’s preferred candidate to succeed Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Fubara, who became governor in 2023, is not seeking re-election in 2027, creating an open contest for the governorship.
Chinda’s candidacy places him at the centre of the APC’s efforts to consolidate its position in the state amid significant political realignments.
The relationship between Wike and Chinda stretches back several years, with both politicians operating within the same political network in Rivers State.
Chinda has represented Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and previously served as Minority Leader of the House.
His legislative experience and close association with Wike are expected to form important elements of the APC campaign as the election approaches.
For Wike, the endorsement also marks a clear indication of where his political influence is likely to be directed in the forthcoming governorship contest.
The former governor remains an influential figure in Rivers politics despite serving in the federal cabinet as FCT minister.
The 2027 election is expected to attract considerable attention because of Rivers State’s strategic political importance and the succession battle following Fubara’s decision not to seek another term.
The APC will be seeking to build a broad coalition around Chinda, while rival parties are expected to present their own candidates and campaign structures.
Wike’s public declaration could give Chinda an early advantage within the political conversation, particularly among supporters who remain aligned with the former governor.
However, an endorsement does not determine an election, and Chinda will still need to secure support from voters across Rivers State.
The APC candidate will also face the challenge of translating his political relationships and legislative experience into a statewide campaign capable of appealing to voters beyond his established political base.
As preparations for 2027 gather momentum, Wike’s endorsement has nevertheless removed much of the uncertainty surrounding his preferred direction in the Rivers governorship race.
For Chinda, the immediate challenge is now to build on the backing of one of the state’s most influential political figures and convince voters that he is capable of leading Rivers State from 2027.
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The final outcome will ultimately be decided at the ballot box.
