Sphere Watch

RIVERS STATE APC CHAIRMAN CONGRATULATES RT. HON. OGUNDU KINGSLEY CHINDA ON HIS EMERGENCE AS THE RIVERS STATE APC GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE

On behalf of the leadership and teeming members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rivers State, I heartily congratulate Rt. Hon. Ogundu Kingsley Chinda on his emergence as the Governorship Flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State through a consensus arrangement ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

His emergence is a clear reflection of unity, maturity, and the collective resolve of our great party and stakeholders to present a credible, experienced, and people-oriented leader who possesses the capacity to effectively steer the affairs of Rivers State toward greater prosperity, peace, and development.

I specially commend His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, Alabo Dax George Kelly, and Arch. Tonye Cole for their exemplary display of statesmanship, patriotism, and sacrifice in withdrawing from the governorship race in the overall interest of unity, peace, and political stability in Rivers State. Their actions have further demonstrated their commitment to the progress and advancement of our dear state above personal ambitions.

I also profoundly commend the Leader of the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State and the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), His Excellency, Chief Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike CON, for his fatherly role, political wisdom, and untiring efforts in ensuring a united and peaceful political atmosphere in Rivers State. His leadership and commitment to political stability continue to serve as a strong pillar for the growth of democracy and good governance in our state.

Furthermore, I commend the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for his tireless efforts and unwavering commitment toward ensuring that democracy continues to thrive in Nigeria.

I express total confidence in the ability, competence, and leadership capacity of Rt. Hon. Ogundu Kingsley Chinda to effectively manage the affairs of Rivers State and provide purposeful leadership that will positively impact the lives of our people.

I equally congratulate all our members that emerged as candidates of the party in the just concluded House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and Senatorial primary elections in the state. I urge all party faithful, supporters, and the good people of Rivers State to remain united, focused, and committed as we collectively work toward a greater future for our dear state.

Signed:

Hon. Chief Tony C. Okocha KSC, JP, DSSRS
Chairman,
All Progressives Congress (APC),
Rivers State.

May 22, 2026.

Response to Claims Linking Calls for Dr. Goodluck Jonathan's Candidacy to APC Sponsorship:

Recent suggestions that calls for former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR to contest the 2027 presidential election are orchestrated by the ruling APC to divide opposition votes are speculative and lack credible evidence. Such narratives often stem from a limited appreciation of the organic public sentiment that has surrounded Jonathan since 2015.

Since the APC assumed power in 2015, Nigerians from various regions, backgrounds, and political leanings have consistently urged Dr. Jonathan to return to the presidential race. This groundswell of support is not a recent or manufactured phenomenon driven by any ruling party strategy. Rather, it reflects genuine nostalgia, respect, and appreciation for his leadership style and tangible legacies.

Many Nigerians recall his administration’s notable achievements: significant investments in education through Almajiri schools in the North, special girls’ schools, new federal universities, and increased basic education enrolment; infrastructure gains including the Abuja-Kaduna railway, road projects, airport upgrades, and the initiation of major bridges like the Second Niger Bridge; the rebasing of Nigeria’s GDP, which positioned the country as Africa’s largest economy; improvements in electoral transparency, exemplified by the widely praised 2011 elections; and his historic, peaceful concession in 2015 that strengthened Nigeria’s democratic institutions. His peace initiatives in the Niger Delta, promotion of gender inclusion, and broader transformation agenda also left lasting impressions.

These positive memories, rather than any partisan manipulation, explain the continued public interest in his potential return. It is presumptuous and disrespectful to Dr. Jonathan’s integrity, and to the intelligence of Nigerian voters, to dismiss this widespread affection as a sponsored plot. As a citizen who has served his constitutional term, Dr. Jonathan retains the full right under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to contest any election if he so chooses. Suggesting otherwise undermines the agency of the electorate and the democratic process.

In direct response to claims by social media personality VeryDarkMan and similar narratives alleging sponsorship or positioning by the current administration, Dr. Jonathan’s own recent remarks demonstrate his clear understanding of the complexities of Nigerian politics and affirm his independent agency. Dr. Jonathan is a leader of profound conviction and unassailable integrity; throughout his public life, he has acted on principle rather than partisan manipulation. The suggestion that he would serve as a proxy to weaken opposition votes insults both his character and the intelligence of the Nigerian electorate. He has never been, and will never be, anyone’s pawn. Addressing supporters urging him to contest, he stated:

“You are asking me to come and contest the next election. Presidential race is not a computer game. But I’ve heard you and I will consult widely.”

He further highlighted the realities of voter apathy, stressing the need for genuine participation:

“Nigeria has the lowest turnout of elections in every election cycle... We have the highest voter apathy... I have observed elections in over 14 countries, and Nigeria has one of the lowest voter turnouts. If I ask how many of you have your voter’s card now, probably 50% of you don’t have your voter’s card. And you’re asking me to go and contest the election. So you must participate in the electoral process.”

These measured, realistic statements quash notions of him being a passive proxy, showing instead a leader who listens to the people but approaches national decisions with caution, wide consultation, and emphasis on peace, credible elections, and civic responsibility.

Nigeria’s democracy is best served when discussions are based on facts, mutual respect, and national interest, rather than unverified conspiracy theories or attempts to discredit respected statesmen. The choice in 2027 ultimately belongs to the Nigerian people. Those who truly value democracy should focus on encouraging voter registration, acquisition of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and active, informed participation: principles that Dr. Jonathan himself has long advocated.

Hon Chief Mizodome Ibu
Former Chairman Ogbia Local Government Council.