INEC Reveals 17 Candidates for Rivers State Governorship Election in 2027

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of 17 candidates for the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State. The announcement includes notable candidates such as Chinda Kingsley Ogundu from the All Progressives Congress, Pidomson Gabriel Baritulem from the African Democratic Congress, Ejekwu Samuel Soni from the Peoples Democratic Party, and Lulu-Briggs Dumo Owukori from the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

The document titled “Final List of Candidates” was signed by INEC’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony. It details each candidate along with their running mate, party affiliation, age, gender, and educational background.

Chinda, who is 60 years old, will run with Jack Major Miakiapuye as his deputy. His qualifications include a First School Leaving Certificate and a law degree. Pidomson, aged 56, is paired with Okumgba David Amapakaye, while Ejekwu, also 60, will run with Ehuwa Pirinye Kabaka. Both Pidomson and Ejekwu hold doctorate degrees. Lulu-Briggs, 62, has Nwielaghi Barieenee Michael as his running mate and is also listed with a law degree.

Other candidates on the list include Chibuzor Israel Rain from Accord, West Ivy from the African Action Congress, Lawson Anyanate Angel from the Action Democratic Party, and Idoniboye-Obu Omangima from the All Progressives Grand Alliance. Additional candidates are Whyte Churchill Dagogo from the Allied Peoples Movement, Atata Okechukwu Kenneth from the Action Peoples Party, Benjamin Abednego Oli from the Boot Party, and Warigbani Ezekiel Zebulun from the Democratic Leadership Alliance.

The remaining candidates are Boms Chima Ernest from the Labour Party, Opusunju Silva from the National Democratic Party, Pepple Wari Dienye from the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Minaibim Harry from the National Rescue Movement, and Kieghe Nature Dumale from the People’s Redemption Party. Notably, West Ivy is the only woman among the 17 candidates, while six of the deputy candidates are women.