George-Kelly’s entry sparks Rivers governorship excitement
Stakeholders across Rivers State are reportedly celebrating indications that the Rainbow Coalition, led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, may have settled on Alabo Dakorinama George-Kelly as its preferred governorship aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election.
Political observers said George-Kelly’s reported entry into the race has generated widespread enthusiasm, particularly as he hails from the Kalabari Ijaw axis of the state’s riverine region.
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Nathan Tamarapreye
Stakeholders across Rivers State are reportedly celebrating indications that the Rainbow Coalition, led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, may have settled on Alabo Dakorinama George-Kelly as its preferred governorship aspirant for the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election.
Political observers said George-Kelly’s reported entry into the race has generated widespread enthusiasm, particularly as he hails from the Kalabari Ijaw axis of the state’s riverine region.
His possible emergence is seen by many as aligning with the growing sentiment that power should shift to a candidate from the riverine area after Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s tenure.
George-Kelly, a trained quantity surveyor and civil engineer, previously served as Commissioner for Works under former Governor Wike and was retained in the same role by Governor Fubara. He, however, resigned twice during the political crisis in the state, a move widely interpreted as a demonstration of loyalty to Wike and his political bloc.
He was also a prominent contender in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary in 2022, where he finished second behind Fubara. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu later appointed him Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA).
Although the coalition has yet to officially confirm its position, a source familiar with the development disclosed that George-Kelly had already purchased the APC nomination and expression of interest forms.
“Among all coalition members, George-Kelly is the only one who has purchased the APC forms, and we believe he would not have done so without the consent of the Minister.
“This suggests he has the backing of the coalition leader and may eventually emerge as the APC candidate,” the source said.
Responding to questions about the House of Representatives Minority Leader, O.K. Chinda, who had earlier been speculated as a possible coalition candidate, the source said Chinda had not been entirely ruled out.
“This is where the strategy becomes interesting. When Chinda’s name surfaced, it tested public reaction.
“That speculation created tension, even within the coalition, because Chinda is from Obio-Akpor, and some stakeholders viewed it as politically self-serving. Beyond that, his name did not resonate strongly across the state.“However, once reports emerged that George-Kelly had entered the APC race, there was jubilation. His name appears to enjoy broader acceptance, especially among young people.
“People are pleased that George-Kelly has joined the contest, and we believe Wike is carefully assessing both personalities and public sentiment,” the source added.
According to the insider, the coalition’s priority is to present a loyal candidate with broad appeal across political divides, including among supporters of Governor Fubara.
“George-Kelly, despite being from the riverine Ijaw area, appears to have the kind of mass appeal required. This is not merely about ethnicity; it is more about personality and acceptability.
“One thing is certain: the coalition leadership understands its strategy. It is expected to influence both APC and PDP candidacies in Rivers State and will continue consultations before making its final decision,” the source said.
