Two close allies of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, have emerged as key contenders for the Rivers State governorship ahead of the 2027 general elections, signaling early political realignments within the state.
The individuals, Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly and Kingsley Chinda, are both members of the Rainbow Coalition and have reportedly been encouraged by its leadership to pursue their ambitions under different political platforms.
George Kelly is said to be preparing to contest on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, while Chinda is expected to run under the Peoples Democratic Party. This dual strategy is believed to reflect a calculated move by coalition leaders to maintain influence across party lines.
Sources indicate that George Kelly has already secured the nomination and expression of interest forms for the APC primary, a move widely interpreted as having the backing of Wike. His entry into the race has reportedly sparked excitement among stakeholders, particularly due to his roots in the Kalabari Ijaw community, aligning with calls for power rotation in the state.
George Kelly previously contested the PDP governorship primary in 2022, finishing second to the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara. He was later appointed Director General of the Border Communities Development Agency by Bola Tinubu.
Meanwhile, Chinda’s potential candidacy initially generated mixed reactions, with some stakeholders questioning its broader appeal. However, the emergence of George Kelly appears to have balanced sentiments within the coalition.
Observers believe the Rainbow Coalition aims to present a consensus candidate capable of uniting diverse interests across Rivers State. Consultations are expected to continue as the coalition evaluates both aspirants’ strengths ahead of party primaries.
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