As the 2027 elections approach, two prominent allies of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, have emerged as likely candidates for the Rivers State governorship race. Alabo Dakorinama George-Kelly is expected to run under the All Progressives Congress banner, while Kingsley Chinda will represent the Peoples Democratic Party, according to reports from Vanguard on Tuesday, May 5.
Rainbow Coalition Backs Dual Candidacy
Both politicians are members of the Rainbow Coalition, a political group aligned with Wike. The coalition's leadership reportedly advised them to purchase nomination forms for their respective parties. George-Kelly, who previously contested the PDP governorship primary in 2022 and placed second behind incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has since secured the APC nomination and expression of interest forms. A source within the coalition, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that George-Kelly acted with Wike's consent, signaling the minister's blessing for his candidacy.
Fubara's Re-election Bid Gains Momentum
Meanwhile, Governor Siminalayi Fubara is pushing forward with his re-election campaign despite ongoing political tensions with his former mentor, Wike. Stakeholders of the APC in Rivers State, along with other political figures, have purchased and donated Fubara's nomination and expression of interest forms. The delegation, led by Awaji-Inombek Abiante, representative of the Andoni/Opobo-Nkoro federal constituency, described the move as a collective decision driven by the interests of the people. Abiante emphasized that such stakeholder support is a democratic tradition, noting that it reflects growing confidence in Fubara's leadership.
Political Dynamics and Predictions
The emergence of Wike's allies as candidates sets the stage for a competitive race. Primate Elijah Ayodele, a cleric known for political forecasts, earlier stated that Fubara could secure a second term if he remains loyal to Wike and seeks divine guidance. Ayodele suggested that part of that loyalty might involve ceding the deputy governor position to the assembly speaker, making the chosen deputy a figurehead. These developments underscore the intricate political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 Rivers State gubernatorial election.
