RismadarVoice Reporters
October 10, 2026
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published its final list of candidates for the 2027 Rivers State governorship election, with 17 political parties reportedly represented.
The list, signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, contains details of governorship candidates and their running mates, including their ages, gender and educational qualifications.
According to the candidate information obtained, Kingsley Ogundu Chinda is listed for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gabriel Baritulem Pidomson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Samuel Soni Ejekwu for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Dumo Owukori Lulu-Briggs for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Chinda, 60, is paired with Jack Major Miakiapuye, while Pidomson, 56, has David Amapakaye Okumgba as his running mate.
Ejekwu, also 60, is listed alongside Pirinye Kabaka Ehuwa, while Lulu-Briggs, 62, has Barieenee Michael Nwielaghi as his deputy governorship candidate.
Other names on the reported list include Israel Rain Chibuzor of Accord, Ivy West of the African Action Congress (AAC), Angel Lawson Anyanate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), and Omangima Idoniboye-Obu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Also listed are Churchill Dagogo Whyte of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Kenneth Atata Okechukwu 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).
The reported gender breakdown shows that Ivy West, 47, is the only female governorship candidate among the 17 contestants, while six deputy governorship candidates are women.
The governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
The publication of the final candidate list forms part of INEC’s preparations for the elections, during which Rivers residents will elect a governor and members of the State House of Assembly.
