The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of 17 candidates for the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State.
The list includes Kingsley Ogundu Chinda of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gabriel Baritulem Pidomson of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Samuel Soni Ejekwu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Dumo Owukori Lulu-Briggs of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The document, titled “Final List of Candidates” for the 2027 governorship election, was signed by INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
It contains the names of governorship candidates and their running mates, alongside details of their political parties, ages, genders and educational qualifications.
Chinda, 60, is running with Jack Major Miakiapuye as his deputy. His listed qualifications include a First School Leaving Certificate and a law degree.
Pidomson, 56, has Okumgba David Amapakaye as his running mate, while Ejekwu, 60, is paired with Ehuwa Pirinye Kabaka. INEC lists both candidates as holders of doctorate degrees.
Lulu-Briggs, 62, will contest alongside Nwielaghi Barieenee Michael. His listed qualification is a law degree.
Other candidates on the list include Chibuzor Israel Rain of Accord; West Ivy of the African Action Congress (AAC); Lawson Anyanate Angel of the Action Democratic Party (ADP); and Omangima Idoniboye-Obu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
The list also features Churchill Dagogo Whyte of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Okechukwu Kenneth Atata of the Action Peoples Party (APP), Abednego Oli Benjamin of the Boot Party (BP) and Ezekiel Zebulun Warigbani of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA).
The remaining candidates are Chima Ernest Boms of the Labour Party (LP), Silva Opusunju of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Wari Dienye Pepple of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Harry Minaibim of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) and Nature Dumale Kieghe of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).
West Ivy, 47, is the only woman among the 17 governorship candidates. However, six of the deputy governorship candidates listed by INEC are women.
The publication of the final list provides voters with the official names of the candidates and their running mates ahead of the 2027 Rivers State governorship election.
