Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has thrown his political weight behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, declaring that the lawmaker will succeed Governor Siminalayi Fubara in 2027.

Wike made the declaration on Tuesday at a reception organised in his honour by Ogbakor Ikwerre, the socio-cultural organisation representing the Ikwerre ethnic nationality, in Obiri-Ehie.

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While acknowledging prominent personalities at the gathering, the former Rivers State governor specifically introduced Chinda, a serving member of the House of Representatives, as the “former Minority Leader in the House of Representatives and, by the grace of God, the next governor of Rivers State.”

Chinda, a long-time political ally of Wike, emerged as the APC governorship candidate after the party’s primary election held in May 2026. His emergence has further fuelled expectations that he enjoys the backing of the former governor, who remains a major political force in Rivers State.

If elected in 2027, Chinda would succeed Governor Fubara, who has indicated that he will not seek a second term in office.

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

The APC Publicity Secretary in Rivers State, Ikenga Chibike, confirmed the development on Tuesday, saying Jack was selected as part of efforts to achieve geographical balance on the party’s ticket and strengthen its grassroots support, particularly in the riverine areas of 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’s endorsement of Chinda and the unveiling of Jack as his running mate, the APC is positioning its ticket for a major contest in the 2027 Rivers governorship election, with political alignments and rivalries expected to shape the race in the months ahead.