ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Fresh political signals have emerged from Rivers State as allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are being positioned for the 2027 governorship race across both major parties.
Two key figures within the Rainbow Coalition Alabo Dakorinama George-Kelly and Kingsley Chinda, have been tipped to fly the flags of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), respectively.
Sources familiar with the development said the coalition’s leadership encouraged both men to obtain nomination forms in their respective parties, signalling an early move to shape the political landscape ahead of the elections.
George-Kelly’s entry into the race on the APC platform has already stirred excitement among political stakeholders across the state, with many interpreting the move as a clear indication of Wike’s backing.
Supporters have particularly welcomed his candidacy given his roots in the Kalabari Ijaw axis, a factor seen as aligning with growing calls for power rotation in the state following the tenure of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
A long-time associate of Wike, George-Kelly is regarded as one of his loyal political protégés, and his emergence is seen as consistent with the coalition’s preference for trusted hands.
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His political credentials also include a strong showing in the 2022 PDP governorship primaries, where he finished second, before his subsequent appointment as Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency by President Bola Tinubu.
Although there has been no official confirmation from the minister or the coalition, insiders insist that George-Kelly’s purchase of APC nomination and expression of interest forms points to a coordinated political strategy.
“Among all coalition members, George-Kelly is the only one who has obtained the APC forms, and he would not have taken that step without clearance from the leader,” a source said.
According to the insider, the development strongly suggests that he enjoys the backing of the coalition and is well-positioned to secure the APC ticket.
The situation, however, became more complex following reports linking Chinda to the PDP governorship race, a move that initially generated mixed reactions within political circles.
Some stakeholders reportedly viewed Chinda’s potential candidacy as controversial, partly due to his Obio-Akpor roots, which critics interpreted as politically sensitive in the context of zoning and representation.
However, the emergence of George-Kelly on the APC platform appears to have calmed tensions, with many observers noting that his candidacy resonates more broadly across different blocs, particularly among younger voters.
Insiders say the coalition leadership is closely monitoring public reactions to both aspirants, carefully weighing their strengths, acceptability, and electoral viability.
“The leader is a master strategist. He is studying the reactions and calibrating the options,” the source added.
Despite the ethnic considerations often associated with Rivers politics, analysts within the coalition insist that personality, loyalty, and broad appeal will ultimately determine the final choice.
“The goal is to present a candidate who commands loyalty but also appeals to all segments, including those aligned with Governor Fubara,” the source said.
While both George-Kelly and Chinda remain in the frame, indications are that the Rainbow Coalition is working towards producing candidates across party lines, before eventually consolidating behind a single consensus figure.
“The coalition will produce candidates in both APC and PDP, but consultations will determine who eventually carries the collective interest forward,” the source stated.
As political alignments intensify ahead of 2027, the unfolding strategy underscores the continuing influence of Wike and his network in shaping Rivers State’s electoral direction.