The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reportedly endorsed former Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly, as his preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sources familiar with the development said the decision followed a closed-door meeting held on Monday in Port Harcourt with key political stakeholders, where strategic alignments ahead of the next general election were reviewed.
George, a former commissioner and long-time political ally within Wike’s camp, is expected to formally emerge as the APC governorship hopeful as political calculations intensify ahead of 2027.
According to insiders, the meeting was attended by prominent figures, including former militant leaders Asari Dokubo and Ateke Tom, underscoring what sources described as “broad-based consultations” across influential blocs in the state.
A source privy to the discussions said Wike’s endorsement of George was part of a wider strategy to consolidate his political structure and maintain influence in Rivers State despite his current federal appointment.
“After extensive deliberations, George was considered the most suitable candidate to drive the structure going into 2027,” the source said.
The development comes amid the lingering political tension between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor and political mentor, Wike, a rift that has continued to reshape the state’s political landscape.
Since assuming office, Fubara has gradually distanced himself from the Wike political machinery, leading to divisions within the Rivers State political establishment, including the House of Assembly and local government structures.
The crisis has triggered shifting alliances across party lines, with both camps reportedly working to secure dominance ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Efforts by President Bola Tinubu to reconcile both factions have yet to produce lasting peace, as political tensions remain high in the oil-rich state.
However, as of press time, there has been no official confirmation from Wike’s camp or the APC on the reported endorsement.
The Rivers political scene is expected to witness heightened manoeuvres in the coming months as key actors position themselves for the 2027 governorship contest.
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