Wike Anoints George Kelly for Rivers Governorship

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reportedly endorsed former Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Alabo George-Kelly, as his preferred candidate for the state’s governorship.

George is expected to run under the All Progressives Congress (APC), a development seen as a significant step toward the 2027 general elections.

According to sources, the decision followed a private meeting held in Port Harcourt on Monday May 4th 2026, where key political figures reviewed the state’s political landscape and discussed strategies to strengthen their influence ahead of the polls.

George, regarded as an experienced politician and a loyal ally of Wike, previously served as Commissioner for Works in Rivers State.

A source present at the meeting indicated that the move is part of a broader plan by Wike to sustain his political influence in the state, despite his current position at the federal level.

The endorsement comes amid an ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, fueled by a deepening rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his former political mentor, Wike.

Since taking office, Fubara has increasingly asserted his independence, resulting in divisions across the state’s political structure, including the House of Assembly and local government systems.

The conflict has led to shifting alliances and persistent power struggles, with both sides seeking control over party structures and governance.

A source noted that Wike’s backing of George is a calculated effort to regain influence and shape the state’s political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official confirmation of the endorsement.