The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has officially thrown his weight behind Alabo Dakorinama George Kelly as his chosen successor for the 2027 governorship race.
Alabo George Kelly, a veteran technocrat who previously managed the state’s infrastructure as the Commissioner for Works, is now positioned to challenge the status quo.
Insiders suggest that the former commissioner will be making his bid under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This move is viewed by many as a calculated masterstroke by Wike to consolidate his influence within the state while operating from the federal center in Abuja.
The decision was reportedly finalized during an intensive, high-stakes meeting held behind closed doors in Port Harcourt on Monday.
The gathering was not just a meeting of typical politicians; it featured prominent figures such as ex-militant leaders Asari Dokubo and Ateke Tom. Their presence at the table indicates the depth of the consultations and the level of security and grassroots backing Wike is mobilizing for George Kelly’s upcoming campaign.
For George Kelly, this is a second shot at the top job. Having come second in the 2022 PDP primaries to the incumbent, Siminalayi Fubara, he is widely seen as a loyalist who understands the inner workings of the political machinery Wike built.
His selection is a clear signal that the FCT Minister is looking for a trusted hand to reclaim the steering wheel of the state’s governance.
