A former Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Alabo Dakorinama George-Kelly, has reportedly been endorsed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as his preferred candidate for the Rivers State governorship election.
themomentng reports that George-Kelly is expected to contest the seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sources told Daily Post that Wike settled for the former commissioner after a closed-door meeting with key political stakeholders in Port Harcourt on Monday.
The meeting reportedly reviewed the political situation in Rivers State and strategies for consolidating influence ahead of the next election cycle.
Those present at the meeting were said to include ex-militant leaders, Asari Dokubo and Ateke Tom. A source said their attendance showed the level of consultations that preceded the endorsement.
George-Kelly, a political figure in Rivers State, previously served as Commissioner for Works and is considered a loyalist within Wike’s political structure.
A source who witnessed the meeting said the development was part of efforts to maintain Wike’s political dominance in Rivers State despite his current role at the federal level.
The source said, “Wike’s endorsement of George is a strategic move to reassert control and shape the political future of Rivers State ahead of 2027.”
The development comes amid the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, driven by the power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Wike, his estranged political godfather.
Since assuming office, Fubara has gradually distanced himself from Wike’s influence, leading to divisions within the state’s political structure, including the House of Assembly and local government leadership.
