The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally uploaded the name of its Rivers State governorship candidate, Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Candidate Nomination Portal, signalling the party’s readiness for the 2027 governorship election in the state.
Chinda’s nomination was uploaded alongside those of 26 other APC governorship candidates across the country as the ruling party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections and moves to comply with the electoral timetable issued by INEC.
The latest development means the APC has successfully submitted the names of its governorship candidates and their respective running mates in 27 of the 28 states where governorship elections will hold during the 2027 electoral cycle. Party insiders disclosed that only one state in the Northeast is yet to complete its nomination process.
According to sources within the party, the outstanding state is expected to conclude the selection of its deputy governorship candidate at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting scheduled to take place in Abuja. The position reportedly became vacant after the incumbent deputy governor completed the constitutionally permitted two terms in office and is therefore ineligible to seek another tenure in the same office.
The successful upload of Chinda’s nomination is being interpreted by party faithful as a significant milestone in the APC’s campaign strategy for Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s most politically strategic and economically important states.
Hon. Chinda, a former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, emerged as the APC’s consensus governorship candidate after an intensely contested primary process that drew widespread attention within the state’s political landscape. His emergence followed extensive consultations among key stakeholders and leaders of the party.
Widely regarded as a seasoned legislator with considerable political experience, Chinda is also seen as a close political associate of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whose influence continues to shape the political dynamics in Rivers State.
Political observers believe the Rivers governorship election is likely to rank among the most fiercely contested races in the country, given the state’s strategic importance in the Niger Delta, its vast oil and gas resources, and its long-standing reputation as a battleground for Nigeria’s major political parties.
With the submission of Chinda’s name to the INEC nomination portal, the APC has effectively positioned itself ahead of the formal commencement of campaigns, while party leaders continue consultations aimed at strengthening internal cohesion and mobilising support across the state’s 23 local government areas.
Party officials expressed optimism that the remaining nomination in the Northeast would be concluded without delay, enabling the APC to complete its nationwide governorship nominations well before the deadline.
Under the timetable released by INEC for the 2027 general elections, political parties are required to submit the names of their governorship and state House of Assembly candidates within the stipulated nomination period. The commission’s Candidate Nomination Portal for governorship and state assembly elections remains open until August 8, 2026, after which no fresh nominations will be accepted except as permitted by law.
The APC leadership has reiterated its commitment to complying fully with INEC’s guidelines and maintaining its momentum as preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace across the country.