Alabo Dakorinama George-Kelly has officially joined the race for the Rivers State governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC), with indications that he is enjoying the backing of allies loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Political sources within the Rivers Rainbow Coalition suggest that George-Kelly has emerged as a preferred consensus option within the group, especially among stakeholders pushing for a riverine candidate to succeed Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
George-Kelly, who hails from the Kalabari Ijaw ethnic group, previously served as Commissioner for Works under both Wike and Fubara. He is also reported to have resigned twice during the state’s recent political crisis, a move political observers interpret as a signal of loyalty to Wike’s camp.
He is not new to electoral contests, having participated in the 2022 PDP governorship primary, where he finished as runner-up. He currently serves as Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency.
Although the coalition has yet to make a formal announcement, insiders say George-Kelly has already purchased the APC governorship nomination forms, a development seen as a strong indication of support from key political actors.
One source familiar with the discussions said his move reflects growing consensus within the group.
“Among coalition members, he is the only one who has taken this step so far, and it shows he has the backing of key leaders,” the source noted.
There are also indications that Kingsley Chinda, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, remains part of ongoing consultations, though no final decision has been made on his candidacy.
Political observers say George-Kelly’s entry has begun to reshape early dynamics within the APC governorship race in Rivers State, with reports of increased acceptance among youth groups and other stakeholders within the coalition.
According to insiders, his emergence is being viewed as a strategic move aimed at presenting a candidate with wider grassroots appeal.
“The objective is to field someone with broad acceptability across the state,” another source said. “At the moment, George-Kelly appears to fit that direction.”
The development signals an early intensification of political realignments in Rivers State as parties and power blocs position themselves ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
