2027: Wike Backs George-Kelly, Chinda for Rivers APC, PDP Governorship Tickets
The political atmosphere in Rivers State is beginning to take shape ahead of the 2027 governorship election, as two close allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have been positioned for major roles across party lines.
Alabo Dakorinama George-Kelly and Kingsley Chinda, both members of the Rainbow Coalition, are being tipped to contest for the state’s top seat under different political platforms.
George-Kelly is said to be heading for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress, while Chinda is linked with the Peoples Democratic Party.
Sources within the coalition revealed that its leadership advised both men to obtain nomination forms from their respective parties. The move is seen as a strategic attempt to maintain influence across the political divide in the state.
George-Kelly’s reported entry into the APC race has already stirred reactions across Rivers. Many stakeholders have expressed excitement, especially with indications that Wike may have settled for him as a preferred aspirant for the party’s primary election.
His emergence has also been welcomed in several quarters due to his roots in the Kalabari Ijaw axis. There has been growing sentiment in the state that the next governor should come from the riverine areas, particularly the Ijaw ethnic group, following the tenure of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
George-Kelly is not new to the race. He contested in the PDP governorship primary in 2022, where he finished second behind Fubara. He was later appointed Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency by President Bola Tinubu, a position that further raised his political profile.
Although there is no official confirmation yet, insiders within the Rainbow Coalition claim that George-Kelly has already secured the APC nomination form. The development is being closely monitored by party loyalists and political observers in the state.
On the other hand, the consideration of Chinda, who currently serves as Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, has generated mixed reactions. His potential candidacy initially sparked debate, particularly due to concerns about zoning and representation.
A source within the coalition, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the leadership is carefully studying public reactions before making final decisions.
“This is where this game gets interesting. The leaders of the coalition is a political sage and master strategist. When the report of Chinda emerged, he weighed the reaction of members of the public.
“That report created some storm even in the coalition because Chinda hails from Obio-Akpor and some people read the development as selfish. Apart from that, the name did not resonate with many stakeholders in the state.
“But immediately the report of George-Kelly on APC platform broke out, there was jubilation across the state. The report calmed all nerves because the name resonated among all the stakeholders especially the youths. People are happy that George-Kelly has joined the governorship race. We believe that Wike is receiving reports about the duo and analysing their personalities.
“One thing is clear. The objective is to present a loyal candidate that will appeal to all stakeholders, including those who are standing with Governor Fubara. But George-Kelly despite hailing from the riverine Ijaw area of the state, seems to have the expected mass appeal. It is not about ethnicity, it is more about personality.”
