INEC Releases Final List, Clears Wike Ally Chinda for Rivers Governorship Race

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has listed former House of Representatives Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, among the candidates for the 2027 Rivers State governorship election, following his emergence as the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to a report by Daily Trust published on Saturday, October 10, 2026, Chinda appeared as the fifth candidate on the commission’s final list, which contains 19 names for the forthcoming governorship contest.

Chinda previously belonged to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but is now representing the APC in the race. His emergence has attracted attention, particularly because reports of his move to the ruling party received limited public attention.

His inclusion on INEC’s final list comes amid growing discussions about the eligibility of political candidates following a recent Supreme Court ruling concerning provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

The Supreme Court restored Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Act. These provisions place restrictions on political parties presenting candidates whose names were not included in membership registers submitted to INEC within the required period.

The ruling has prompted renewed scrutiny of political parties’ membership records, especially as politicians continue to change affiliations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development has also raised questions about whether candidates who recently joined new political parties meet the legal requirements for participation in the electoral process.

Despite the concerns surrounding the interpretation and application of the provisions, Chinda’s name appeared on the final list published by INEC. His inclusion confirms that the electoral commission has listed him as a candidate, although the publication alone does not necessarily settle any potential legal dispute over eligibility.

The former lawmaker is also widely regarded as an ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whose political activities and influence in Rivers State have continued to attract attention ahead of the next governorship election.

With the 2027 contest approaching, the publication of the candidates’ list is expected to intensify political discussions surrounding party affiliations, eligibility requirements and the competition for control of Rivers State.

Further developments may depend on the application of electoral laws and any legal challenges that emerge before the election.