The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has listed Kingsley Ogundu Chinda as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 Rivers State governorship election.
Chinda, a serving member of the House of Representatives and an ally of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, was included in the commission’s final list of governorship candidates released on Saturday.
His inclusion comes amid questions surrounding his eligibility following his move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC and the timing of his party registration in relation to the APC governorship primary.
The controversy intensified after the Supreme Court restored provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 relating to political party membership registers and participation in party primaries.
The Rivers APC has maintained that Chinda’s nomination complied with the relevant requirements. However, reports indicate that legal questions concerning his eligibility remain subject to court proceedings. <Cite refs=
Chinda’s inclusion on INEC’s list places him among the candidates set to contest the Rivers governorship election scheduled for 2027.
The commission’s decision comes as political parties continue preparations for the forthcoming election, with candidates positioning themselves for the contest across the state.