Barely last-minute change in plan, Hon Kingsley Chinda, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, will clinch the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for next year’s governorship election in Rivers State.

Chinda, an ally of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has always been in the calculation as far as the ruling party’s ticket is concerned.

However, his path became clearer after all the other aspirants pulled out of the race on the eve of the context.

First, it was the incumbent governor whose loyalists have been screened out of the primaries since the commencement of the exercise.

In a statement titled, ‘My decision to withdraw from the Rivers State Gubernatorial Primaries’, Fubara said it was a difficult but necessary decision.

He thanked his supporters for standing by him all through, emphasiszing that he did not pull out of the race because he was afraid but in the interest of the state.

“Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people. Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest.

“To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey who gave their time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude. I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel. Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way. But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain. My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people.

“As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace. Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose. It is enough to say that I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else,” he said.

Next was Tonye Cole, who ran against Fubara under APC platform in 2023.

In a personally signed statement, he said: “As a committed democrat and a firm believer in the supremacy of strong institutions as the foundation for sustainable development, I have consistently advocated for dialogue, reconciliation, and unity among the various stakeholders and factions within the Rivers State chapter of our great party, the APC.

“In recent days, the national leadership of our party convened a critical stakeholders’ meeting during which far-reaching discussions were held on the future of the Rivers APC and the imperative of presenting a united front ahead of the primaries and the 2027 general elections.

“Following that meeting, and after extensive consultations with members of my political team, associates, supporters, and other key stakeholders, I have taken the decision, in the overriding interest of party unity, peace, and collective progress, to respect the supremacy of the party and withdraw from the forthcoming primaries.”

The third aspirant to withdraw from the race is George Kelly, former Commissioner of Works in the State.

Unlike the two other aspirants, Kelly thanked Wike for his role in his political journey and pledged allegiance to the rainbow coalition under the FCT Minister’s leadership.

According to Wike, the coalition comprise of different parties working together with the sole purpose of reelecting the President.

Waxing spiritual, he made reference to Psalm 33:11 in the bible, “The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever.”

“As we prepare for tomorrow’s primaries, I consider it necessary to address a few important issues as a committed believer in the Rivers State Rainbow Coalition for President Bola Tinubu, under the leadership of my leader, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

“In recent days, the national leadership of our great party convened a crucial stakeholders’ meeting, during which extensive and far-reaching deliberations were undertaken regarding the future of the APC in Rivers State and the imperative of fostering cohesion, solidarity, and strategic alignment ahead of the primaries and the 2027 General Elections.

“Following that meeting, and after wide consultations with members of my political team and other critical stakeholders, I have taken the decision, in the overriding interest of party unity and in deference to the supremacy of the party, to withdraw from the forthcoming primaries.” (Daily Trust)