Matilda Omonaiye/
The race for the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State is taking shape, with fresh moves suggesting that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is backing loyalists across both the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
Sources within Wike’s Rainbow Coalition say two of the former governor’s allies, Alabo Dakorinama George-Kelly and Kingsley Chinda, are being positioned for the governorship.
George-Kelly is linked to the APC, while Chinda is being considered within the PDP.
Although neither move has been officially confirmed, insiders say both men have been encouraged to enter their respective party primaries.
The approach is widely seen as a strategy by Wike to retain influence in Rivers politics, regardless of which party wins the election.
George-Kelly, who came second in the PDP governorship primary in 2022 won by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has gained renewed attention, especially among stakeholders from the riverine Ijaw axis.
His supporters point to his previous electoral showing and current federal appointment as factors strengthening his chances.
Chinda’s possible candidacy, however, has drawn mixed reactions, largely because he comes from the same local government area as Wike, raising concerns about political balance in the state.
The developments come amid the continuing rift between Wike and Fubara. Since 2023, both camps have been locked in a power struggle that has affected the state assembly, party structures, and political alignments across Rivers.
This conflict now casts doubt over Fubara’s expected bid for a second term in 2027.
While he is constitutionally eligible to run again, analysts say he may face strong opposition from Wike’s political network.
At the same time, Fubara retains the advantage of incumbency and could still build enough support to seek re-election.
By backing possible candidates in both the APC and PDP, Wike appears to be keeping his options open as the 2027 contest approaches.
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