Jul 22, 2026

Fubara Declares Peace in Rivers, Backs Tinubu, OK Chinda for 2027 Elections

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in politics

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Port Harcourt, Rivers State, July 22, 2026 - In a significant development that could reshape the political landscape of oil-rich Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has publicly declared that peace has been restored, reaffirming his support for President Bola Tinubu and endorsing Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda (OK Chinda) as his preferred governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking in remarks widely circulated on social media, Fubara stated: “We have made peace in the state. President Bola Tinubu is the one we’re supporting, and OK Chinda is the governorship candidate that I am supporting.”

This announcement marks a potential turning point in the protracted power struggle that has defined Rivers politics for years.

The statement comes against the backdrop of a bitter feud between Fubara and his predecessor, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, which escalated into legislative chaos, court battles, and even a six-month state of emergency declared by President Tinubu in early 2025.

Multiple presidential interventions, including high-level meetings at the Villa, have aimed to broker truces, with Fubara eventually defecting to the APC and committing to stability.

Fubara has repeatedly credited Tinubu’s “fatherly” intervention for restoring democratic governance and peace. In earlier addresses, he vowed never to take the President’s kindness for granted and pledged full loyalty, positioning Rivers as a stronghold for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

He has claimed that groundwork for delivering the state is already “70% done” across its 23 local government areas.

Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, a seasoned legislator representing Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency and former Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, emerged as the APC governorship candidate in May 2026 after other aspirants — including Fubara himself — withdrew.

Chinda, a Wike ally with deep roots in Rivers politics, polled overwhelmingly as the sole candidate.

Fubara’s explicit endorsement of Chinda signals a strategic alignment, potentially bridging divides and consolidating support within the APC and broader coalitions.

Chinda’s profile as a lawyer, community leader, and experienced lawmaker is seen by supporters as ideal for sustaining development and unity.

This move is widely viewed as part of a broader realignment in Rivers, where Fubara has worked to rally former PDP heavyweights (including allies of Atiku Abubakar) behind Tinubu.

It underscores the President’s influence in resolving sub-national crises while securing key electoral territories in the Niger Delta.

Critics may question the concessions involved — past reports hinted at agreements limiting Fubara’s second-term ambitions in exchange for peace — but the governor has emphasized development, infrastructure delivery, and reconciliation as priorities.

Projects like roads in Emohua and ongoing efforts in Ogoniland have been highlighted as dividends of stability.

As Nigeria gears up for 2027, Fubara’s declaration reinforces Rivers’ strategic importance. Whether this peace holds and translates into electoral victories will depend on sustained collaboration among key stakeholders, including Wike’s camp.

For now, the message from Port Harcourt is clear: the era of open conflict is over, and the focus has shifted to governance, loyalty to the centre, and preparing for a new chapter.

Rivers residents, long weary of political turmoil, will be watching closely to see if words translate into lasting progress.