Hon. Kingsley Chinda, former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, is set to emerge as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State. This significant development follows the withdrawal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and two other prominent governorship aspirants, Architect Tonye Cole and Dr. Dakorisima George-Kelly, from the race. Observations indicated that while Governor Fubara and Architect Cole formally withdrew on Wednesday evening, Dr. George-Kelly announced his withdrawal on Thursday morning. Chinda, a recognized close ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, currently represents the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, in a related political move, the Rivers State Commissioner for Youths, Hon. Chisom Gbali, has officially resigned his membership from the All Progressives Congress (APC). Gbali’s resignation was detailed in a letter dated May 13, 2026, addressed to the party’s chairman for Ward 1 in Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state. The Commissioner stated that his decision was reached after careful reflection and personal consideration. He expressed his sincere appreciation to the leadership and members of the party for the opportunities, relationships, and experiences he gained during his time. Gbali further requested that his name be promptly removed from the party’s membership records and registers accordingly.