Rivers Guber: Coast Clears for Wike’s Man, Chinda After Fubara, Cole, Alabo’s Withdrawal

The All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) governorship race in Rivers State has taken a decisive turn following the withdrawal of several key aspirants ahead of the primaries.

Incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara, former APC governorship candidate Tonye Cole, and George-Kelly Alabo have all stepped down from the contest, effectively reshaping the race in favour of House of Representatives member Kingsley Chinda.

With the withdrawals, political observers say the coast now appears clearer for Chinda, a known ally of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, to secure the APC governorship ticket in Rivers State.

Fubara had earlier announced his withdrawal from the primary, stating that his decision was driven by the need to promote peace, unity, and stability in the state.

Shortly after, George-Kelly Alabo also exited the race, while Tonye Cole had earlier withdrawn from the governorship contest, further narrowing the field.

The series of withdrawals comes just ahead of the APC governorship primaries scheduled for Thursday, significantly altering the dynamics of the contest in Rivers State.

Political tensions in the state have remained high, with Fubara and Wike engaged in a prolonged power struggle despite multiple reconciliation efforts brokered at various levels.

Wike’s recent presence in Port Harcourt ahead of the primaries has further intensified speculation about the direction of the party’s internal consensus-building process.

Some commentators have described the latest developments as politically decisive, arguing that the opposition within the APC structure in Rivers State has now been substantially weakened.

However, critics caution that the unfolding situation reflects deeper internal divisions within the party that could still shape the broader political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.