Wike picks George Kelly as anointed candidate to unseat Fubara

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reportedly backed Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly as his preferred candidate for the Rivers State governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

George Kelly, a former Rivers State Commissioner for Works, is said to be positioning to contest the governorship seat on the APC platform.

According to sources, the decision followed a closed-door political meeting held in Port Harcourt involving key stakeholders aligned with Wike’s political network. The discussions were said to have focused on the political direction of Rivers State ahead of the next election cycle.

The meeting reportedly had in attendance some former militant leaders, including Asari Dokubo and Ateke Tom, reflecting the weight of consultations around the emerging political arrangement.

George Kelly is widely regarded as a loyal ally within Wike’s political structure and a long-standing figure in Rivers State politics.

The reported endorsement is seen as part of Wike’s broader strategy to maintain influence in Rivers State politics despite his current role in the federal cabinet.

The development comes amid the continuing political tension between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Wike, a rivalry that has sharply divided political structures in the state, including the House of Assembly and local government system.

Since assuming office, Fubara has increasingly distanced himself from Wike’s political bloc, deepening the struggle for control of the state’s political machinery.

Although there have been attempts at reconciliation, including interventions from the Presidency, the rift remains unresolved as both camps continue to consolidate their positions ahead of 2027.

However, there has been no official confirmation of the reported endorsement as of the time of filing this report.

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