2027 Guber: Who Saves Rivers?
As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 Rivers State governorship election, contenders and jokers attract attention amid growing conversation about the future leadership of the state
By Chinedu Oguh, Port Harcourt
From the Riverine Communities to the upland axis, Rivers people are asking important questions: Who has a clear vision for Rivers State? Who understands the needs of the people? Who is prepared to turn promises into monumental development?
A former Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Abuja, Okechukwu Ogundu Chinda, is among the 19 contestants for the governorship position. He hails from Elelenwo Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. The lawyer-turned-politician began his political career as Chief Legal Adviser to Obio/Akpor Local Government Area when Chief Barrister Nyesom
Wike, former governor and now Minister, Federal Capital Territory, was the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. He later served as Commissioner for Environment during the era of Rotimi Amaechi as governor of the state.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate has been in the National Assembly for 12 years. He has the APC platform, established political network, Federal legislative experience, backing from the Rainbow Coalition which controls the 23 local government areas, massive consolidation of supporters arising from the recent reconciliations, and support of the incumbent governor Fubara.
These alliances hold the promise of massive grassroots mobilization, and the provision of a significant organizational advantage. His challenge, however, is to convert elite support and the alliances into broad voter acceptance.
All considered, public expectations seem to be very high for O.K. Chinda’s victory at the poll. Going by the continued seriousness with which he has taken up his campaign, his foot soldiers are working almost 24 hours daily to ensure smooth sailing to victory.
Gabriel Pidomson, a Surveyor by profession. He is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate. He hails from Ogoniland. He was a former member of Rivers State House of Assembly and former Secretary to Rivers State Government.
He is from Ogoniland, the only major tribe in Rivers State that has never produced a governor, deputy governor, speaker or chief judge since the creation of Rivers State. His public-sector experience, professional background and potential appeal among voters seeking greater Ogoni representation is one of his political assets.
On the other hand, his political party, ADC, lacks strong state-wide party organization, lacks support beyond his core constituency and among the notable and politically appealing political elites.
Chief (Barr.) Dumo Lulu-Briggs, the Kalabari-born business mogul and billionaire, is contesting on the platform of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Dumo Lulu-Briggs brings business experience, name recognition, and an economic development
agenda centered on investment and job creation. Potential support from Peter Obi’s political base could also be beneficial if it remains active. However, questions remain about the depth of his grassroots organization and the extent of his support among influential political figures.
The former governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that he has advised the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, against contesting the 2027 governorship election on account of his age. Wike, who spoke about his friendship with Lulu-Briggs, said that he had repeatedly urged him to abandon his governorship ambition and instead use his resources to sponsor another candidate.
