The political landscape in Rivers State underwent a dramatic shift on Saturday as the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the Right Honourable Kingsley Chinda, appeared before the All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee.
Mr Chinda, who currently represents the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was vetted as a governorship aspirant for the 2027 polls under the APC. His appearance before the ruling party’s panel has intensified speculation regarding an imminent defection from the PDP, although an official announcement has yet to be made.
Mr Chinda is one of two high-profile associates of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, to have obtained the APC’s expression of interest and nomination forms.
The second ally, Dr Dax George-Kelly, currently the Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), was also present for the screening. However, Dr George-Kelly’s candidacy has been met with scrutiny regarding his eligibility.
Critics point to a recent presidency directive, issued through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), which mandated that all political appointees seeking elective office in 2027 must resign their positions on or before 30 March 2026. It remains to be seen how the screening committee will interpret this directive in light of his continued service in office.
The entry of these influential figures into the APC fold sets the stage for a fiercely contested primary. They join an already formidable list of aspirants, including: Sir Siminalayi Fubara: The incumbent Governor of Rivers State and Mr Tonye Cole: The party’s former governorship candidate and a prominent businessman.
The APC Screening Committee, tasked with ensuring that all candidates meet the party’s stringent criteria, is expected to release the final list of cleared aspirants following the conclusion of the exercise.
The inclusion of Mr Chinda a sitting principal officer of the National Assembly under the opposition banner in the APC screening process marks a watershed moment in the build-up to the 2027 general elections. Political analysts suggest that this development indicates a significant realignment of power within Rivers State, as various factions vie for control of the APC structure ahead of the May primaries.
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