Chinda Poised To Clinch Rivers APC Ticket As Fubara, Cole Exit Race

Former minority leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kingsley Chinda is set to emerge as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State.

The development followed the withdrawal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and two other governorship candidates, Architect Tonye Cole and Dr. Dakorisima George-Kelly, from the race.

LEADERSHIP observed that while Fubara and Cole withdrew on Wednesday evening, Goerge-Kelly announced his own withdrawal on Thursday morning.

Chinda, a close ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, represents Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the green chamber of the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, Rivers State Commissioner for Youths, Hon. Chisom Gbali, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

Gbali’s resignation was contained in a letter dated May 13, 2026 and addressed to the party’s chairman Ward 1 Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The commissioner stated that the decision was reached after careful reflection and personal consideration.

“I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the leadership and members of the party for opportunities, relationship and experiences I gained during my time as a member of the party.

“I kindly request that my name be removed from the party’s membership records and registers accordingly,” he said.