Rivers 2027: INEC Lists OK Chinda, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, Gabriel Pidomson, 16 Others
INEC has released its final list of 19 candidates for the 2027 Rivers governorship election, including APC’s Chinda Ogundu, NDC’s Dumo Lulu-Briggs and ADC’s Gabriel Pidomson.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the 2027 Rivers State governorship election, clearing 19 candidates from different political parties to contest the state's top executive position.
Prominent names on the list include Chinda Kingsley Ogundu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dumo Owukori Lulu-Briggs of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Gabriel Pidomson Baritulem of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The list also features Ejekwu Samuel Soni of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Boms Chima Ernest of the Labour Party (LP), and candidates representing several smaller political parties.
INEC published the document on its official website, identifying the candidates alongside their running mates and other particulars. The list was signed by the commission's Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony. Its publication marks a significant step in preparations for the governorship election scheduled for 2027.
Full list of Rivers State governorship candidates
According to the final list published by INEC, the 19 candidates and their political parties are:
1. Chibuzor Israel Rain- Action Alliance (AA)
2. West Ivy - Action Alliance of Nigeria (AAN)
3. Gabriel Pidomson Baritulem - African Democratic Congress (ADC)
4. Lawson Anyanate Angel - Action Democratic Party (ADP)
5. Chinda Kingsley Ogundu - All Progressives Congress (APC)
6. Idoniboye-Obu Omangima - All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
7. Whyte Churchill Dagogo - Action Peoples Movement (APM)
8. Atata Okechukwu Kenneth - Action Peoples Party (APP)
9. Benjamin Abednego Oli - Boot Party (BP)
10. Warigbani Ezekiel Zebulun - Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA)
11. Boms Chima Ernest - Labour Party (LP)
12. Dumo Owukori Lulu-Briggs - Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC)
13. Opusonju Silva - National Democratic Party (NDP)
14. Pepple Wari Dienye - National Network for Progressive People (NNPP)
15. Minaibim Harry - National Rescue Movement (NRM)
16. Ejekwu Samuel Soni - Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
17. Kieghe Nature Dumale - People's Redemption Party (PRP)
18. Ben-Gurion J. Peter - Social Democratic Party (SDP)
19. Hart Victor Godwin - Zenith Labour Party (ZLP)
The commission's published document provides the official reference for the candidates' names and party affiliations.
APC, NDC, ADC and PDP candidates in focus
Chinda Kingsley Ogundu's inclusion confirms the APC's candidate for the Rivers governorship contest. His candidacy places the ruling party's nominee on the official list as preparations for the election gather momentum.
Dumo Lulu-Briggs will represent the Nigeria Democratic Congress, while Gabriel Pidomson Baritulem is listed as the candidate of the African Democratic Congress.
The PDP's candidate, Ejekwu Samuel Soni, is also included, ensuring that the party will be represented in the contest, subject to any subsequent lawful changes arising from court decisions or other electoral developments.
The presence of candidates from multiple parties creates a broad field for the election. However, the publication of the list does not establish which candidate has the strongest support or is most likely to win. Those questions will depend on political organization, campaign messages, voter engagement and the choices made by eligible voters.
One woman among the governorship candidates
Another notable feature of the published list is the gender composition of the candidates. West Ivy, representing the Action Alliance of Nigeria, is the only woman among the 19 governorship candidates identified in Channels Television's report. The report also noted that six of the deputy-governorship candidates are women.
The figures highlight the continuing question of women's representation in executive political contests in Nigeria. Although women participate in political parties and electoral processes, their representation among candidates for major executive offices remains an important issue for political organizations, civil society groups and voters. The inclusion of a female candidate in Rivers State's governorship race provides voters with another option in a contest involving parties with different political platforms and priorities.
What INEC's final list means for the 2027 election
The publication of the final list gives political parties, candidates and voters an official reference point for the governorship contest. It also enables the public to identify the candidates and their respective parties ahead of the campaign period. Candidates are expected to communicate their policy priorities on issues such as security, employment, infrastructure, education, healthcare, environmental protection and economic development.
For Rivers State, these issues carry particular importance because of the state's oil-producing economy, its role in the Niger Delta and the longstanding demands for improved public services and environmental protection.
Nevertheless, the release of the list is not the end of the electoral process. Campaigns, public debates, party organization and scrutiny of candidates' proposals will remain central to the months leading to the poll. Any disputes or changes must be addressed through the applicable electoral and judicial procedures.
Rivers voters prepare for another decisive contest
The 2027 governorship election is expected to attract considerable attention because of Rivers State's political significance and its contribution to Nigeria's oil and gas industry.
With 19 candidates appearing on INEC's published list, the contest includes nominees from established political parties and smaller organizations seeking to expand their electoral presence.
The next stage will involve candidates presenting their programmes and attempting to persuade voters that they can address the state's development challenges.
For voters, the list provides a starting point for comparing the candidates, their backgrounds, party platforms and proposed policies. Ultimately, the credibility of the electoral process will depend on compliance with the law, transparent administration and the ability of eligible voters to make their choices freely.