Victor Edozie
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially declared Hon. Chinda Ogundu Kingsley as its governorship candidate for Rivers State after emerging the sole aspirant in the party’s primary election held on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
The declaration was made by the Chairman of the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee in Rivers State, Barr. Bitrus Kwamoti, who also served as the returning officer for the exercise.
Kwamoti, while announcing the outcome at the coalition centre, commended the conduct of party stakeholders and expressed satisfaction with the process, describing it as peaceful and orderly.
“I think we have to appreciate your conduct, your commitment, most especially the State Party Chairman that provides a conducive environment for us to conduct this exercise. And we are so grateful for that,” he said.
He added that the committee monitored the process across multiple locations before arriving at the collation centre, noting that the exercise met expectations.
“We have gone to four places to observe before coming into the coalition center how the exercise is being carried out and we are truly satisfied with what we have seen which was rancour-free. That is how a party should conduct themselves and we commend you for that,” Kwamoti stated.
Announcing the result, he declared Chinda the winner of the primary, having secured a total of 268,497 votes as the sole aspirant.
“I, Kwamoti Bitrus, Chairman of the Governorship Primary Election Committee, hereby certify that I am the returning officer for the Rivers State Governorship Primary Election held on this day, 21st day of May, 2026,” he said.
“The name of the aspirant, which is the sole aspirant, Kingsley Ogundu Chinda scored the total number of votes 268,497. Having satisfied the requirements of APC constitution and guidelines and scored the highest number of votes, he is hereby declared winner of the primary election and is in turn elected as the party governorship candidate for Rivers State,” he added.
Chindah a close ally of Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike is representing Obio Akpor Federal Constituency in the House of Representative.
Governor Siminaya Fubara had on Wednesday withdrawn from the governorship primaries saying that peace and unity has informed his action.
