Just In: Winner Emerges in PDP Governorship Primary in Rivers
- Sam Ejekwu, Nyesom Wike's ally, has reportedly emerged as the PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 elections
- Ejekwu, who was a former caretaker chairman of the Port Harcourt City LGA in the state, reportedly emerged through consensus
- Ejekwu's emergence is believed to strengthen Wike's hold on Rivers' politics since the minister's ally also emerged as the state's APC guber candidate
A major ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and former Commissioner for Transportation in Rivers, Sam Ejekwu, has been declared the consensus candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 governorship election in the state.
The former commissioner was declared the PDP candidate in the state by Tajudeen Yusuf, the chairman of the state electoral committee.
Source: Twitter
According to Daily Trust, the committee received affirmation votes across the local government areas in the oil-rich South-South state. The emergence of Ejekwu is projected to have grown the influence of the FCT minister.
This is coming one week after Kingsley Chinda, another ally of the minister, emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 general election.
Ejekwu, who is from Port Harcourt City local government area in the state, earlier served as the caretaker chairman of the local government for two terms. Kenneth Yowika, the PDP publicity secretary in Rivers, confirmed the emergence of Ejekwu, saying he was the sole aspirant in the primary.
Nigerians react as PDP announces Rivers candidate
The emergence of Ejekwu has started generating reactions from Nigerians. Below are some of their comments:
Yusuf Abubakar wrote:
"The rise of Nyesom Wike in Nigeria’s political landscape continues to spark strong reactions across the country, as his influence, bold style of leadership, and daily relevance in national decision-making have made him one of the most talked-about and arguably most powerful FCT ministers in Nigeria’s history. Many supporters believe his assertiveness, infrastructural drive, and political courage reflect the kind of leadership Nigeria may need to overcome decades of poor governance and administrative setbacks since independence, with some even hoping that such influence could one day open the path for a presidential opportunity."
Source: Twitter
Basiru Abubakar Birchi praised Wike:
"Wike is the commander-in-chief of both the APC and the PDP of Rivers State. Congratulations political Guru."
Court Precious questioned the emergence of the PDP and APC candidates:
"Let me ask this to Wike loyalists, Ogoni and Ijaw of Rivers state, are they not qualified to be governor, the major political parties' candidates, the APC and PDP, are Ikwerre."
Donatus Imhana criticised the primary:
"Double standard everywhere in Nigerian political parties. God have mercy on Nigeria. If you make political office unattractive today, I bet you nobody will be available to serve."
You can read more comments on Facebook here:
APC constitutes the presidential primary election committee
Legit.ng earlier reported that the APC announced the constitution of its presidential primary election committee just as it was rounding up with its governorship primaries.
Anyim Pius Anyim, a former Senate president between 2000 and 2003, also served as the SGF under former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration, was appointed chairman of the committee.
Another former Senate president and ex-speaker of the House of Representatives were members of the committee, while Siminalayi Fubara and other APC governors were appointed state coordinators.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
