The Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 general election, Rt. Hon. Ogundu Kingsley Chinda, has pledged to govern the state with the fear of God if elected governor on May 29, 2027.
Chinda made the pledge at the unveiling of candidates of the Rainbow Coalition at Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, where he expressed confidence that candidates adopted by the coalition across various political parties would emerge victorious in the forthcoming elections.
He said the coalition was committed to forming a government of state unity that would promote peace, inclusion and development, while eliminating rancour, division and the politics of entitlement.
Clad in white attire with touches of blue, alongside party insignia and campaign images of himself and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chinda appeared before a large crowd of party faithful and supporters at the event.
The governorship hopeful commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, for his political ingenuity in developing the Rainbow Coalition initiative, which brings together structures from about seven political parties under a common political platform.
According to Chinda, the coalition’s central objective is to secure the re-election of President Tinubu, facilitate his emergence as Rivers State governor and ensure victory for other candidates endorsed across various elective positions.
He said the initiative was rooted in the need to restore peace, unity and political cohesion in Rivers State, describing these as essential conditions for sustainable development and progress.
Chinda maintained that a united political front would create an enabling environment for governance and accelerate development across the state.
Earlier, political leaders and party stalwarts at the gathering urged Rivers residents to support President Tinubu, citing federal appointments and development projects they said had benefited the state under his administration.
They highlighted the appointments of Rivers indigenes to federal positions, the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, and the construction of the Bonny-Bodo Road, which has improved road access to Bonny Island.
The leaders described these developments as reasons for Rivers voters to support the President’s re-election bid.
The incumbent governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, also drew applause from the crowd when he appeared at the event to present flags to candidates endorsed by the coalition.
His appearance and participation were presented as a show of support for the coalition’s candidates across the different political parties.
Fubara’s presence further reinforced the message of political alignment conveyed at the gathering, as supporters expressed confidence in the coalition’s electoral prospects.
Wike, who played a prominent role at the event, energised the crowd with his characteristic dance moves during musical interludes before calling on Rivers residents to vote for Tinubu, Chinda and all candidates endorsed by the coalition.
The FCT minister urged voters to support the coalition’s candidates across the various elective positions, stressing the importance of collective political action ahead of the 2027 general election.
He also appealed to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates nationwide to support Tinubu’s re-election bid, extending his mobilisation beyond Rivers State.
The unveiling brought together political stakeholders and supporters from different party backgrounds, with speakers emphasising unity, electoral cooperation and a shared political agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.
