George-Kelly joins Rivers APC governorship race
Alabo Dakorinama George-Kelly has entered the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship race in Rivers State, backed by allies of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Sources within the Rivers Rainbow Coalition said
Alabo Dakorinama George-Kelly has entered the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship race in Rivers State, backed by allies of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
Sources within the Rivers Rainbow Coalition said the group favours George-Kelly, a Kalabari Ijaw politician, whose emergence aligns with calls for a riverine successor to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
A former Commissioner for Works under both Wike and Fubara, George-Kelly resigned twice during the political crisis, a move seen as a sign of loyalty to Wike. He also contested the PDP governorship primary in 2022, finishing second, and currently serves as Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency.
Though the coalition has yet to officially confirm its position, a source said George-Kelly has purchased APC nomination forms, suggesting he has the backing of key leaders.
“Among coalition members, he is the only one who has taken this step. It indicates he has the support of the leadership,” the source said.
The source added that House of Representatives Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda—earlier mentioned as a possible candidate—remains under consideration.
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According to insiders, George-Kelly’s entry has generated wider acceptance among stakeholders, particularly among youths, and helped ease earlier tensions within the coalition.
“The goal is to present a candidate with broad appeal,” the source said. “George-Kelly appears to have that advantage.”
The development comes as political alignments intensify ahead of the state’s party primaries
