Wike Endorses Chinda, Declares Him His Choice For Next Rivers Governor

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has endorsed the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Rivers State, Kingsley Chinda, describing the lawmaker as the man who will succeed Governor Siminalayi Fubara in 2027.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Wike made the declaration on Tuesday while speaking at a reception organised in his honour by Ogbakor Ikwerre, the socio-cultural organisation representing the Ikwerre ethnic nationality, in Obiri-Ehie.

Wike, while acknowledging notable personalities at the gathering, introduced Chinda, a serving member of the House of Representatives and former Minority Leader, as the person he expects to become the next governor of Rivers State.

Chinda, who has maintained a longstanding political relationship with Wike, emerged as the APC governorship candidate after winning the party’s primary election held in May 2026.

Wike’s public endorsement further highlights the former Rivers governor’s continued influence in the state’s political affairs ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Chinda is expected to contest against candidates from other political parties as he seeks to succeed Fubara, who has decided not to pursue a second term in office.

Meanwhile, the APC has selected Major Jack, the Majority Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, as Chinda’s running mate for the 2027 election.

The party’s Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, Ikenga Chibike, confirmed the development on Tuesday, stating that Jack would serve as the deputy governorship candidate on the APC ticket.

The choice of Jack is reportedly aimed at improving geographical representation on the party’s ticket and strengthening its support base, particularly across riverine communities in the state.

Jack joined the APC in December 2025 alongside the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and several other lawmakers.

With Wike now openly backing Chinda, attention is expected to intensify around the APC ticket as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 Rivers State governorship contest.