May 22, (THEWILL) — A former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, George-Kelly Alabo, has congratulated former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ogundu Kingsley Chinda, on his emergence as the consensus governorship candidate of the APC for the 2027 governorship election in the state, while pledging full support for the party, the Rainbow Coalition and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
George-Kelly, who stepped down from the governorship race ahead of the APC primary election, said his decision to withdraw from the contest in favour of Chinda was taken in the interest of party unity, patriotism and the broader political objectives of the APC in Rivers State.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday, the former aspirant said he took the “deliberate and considered decision” to support Chinda in order to strengthen cohesion within the party and advance the progressive agenda of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“At the recently concluded APC governorship primaries, I had the honour of presenting myself as a candidate, driven by a deep conviction to serve our great state. However, in the spirit of unity, patriotism, and the larger interest of Rivers State and the progressive agenda of our great party, I took the deliberate and considered decision to step aside in favour of Hon. O.K. Chinda, allowing him to emerge as our consensus candidate”, he stated.
George-Kelly commended the leadership and members of the Rainbow Coalition for what he described as wisdom, maturity and foresight in adopting a consensus arrangement that produced Chinda as the APC governorship candidate.
According to him, the process demonstrated the coalition’s commitment to presenting experienced and capable leadership for Rivers State.
“This is leadership in action, principled, united, and focused on results”, he added.
The former governorship aspirant described Chinda as an experienced politician and professional whose years in the House of Representatives had equipped him with a strong understanding of governance, legislative processes and federal-state relations.
He expressed confidence that Chinda’s political experience, grassroots support base and leadership capacity would translate into effective governance for Rivers State if elected governor.
“I have no doubt that his vast experience, his grassroots connections, and his demonstrated capacity for effective leadership will translate into transformative governance for Rivers State. He has my full confidence and my complete endorsement”, George-Kelly said.
He also pledged to work for the electoral success of the APC candidate in the forthcoming governorship election and reiterated his support for President Tinubu’s administration.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President is producing visible results across the federation, and Rivers State must align itself with this transformative vision for the benefit of our people,” he said.
George-Kelly further reaffirmed his loyalty to the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State under the leadership of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he described as providing direction and purpose for the APC in the state.
“His visionary leadership of the coalition has given direction, structure, and purpose to the APC in Rivers State. I stand firmly behind his leadership, and I encourage all men and women of goodwill in our state to do the same”, he added.
He subsequently called on APC members, supporters of the Rainbow Coalition and residents of Rivers State to unite behind Chinda ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
“As we march toward the general election, I call on all APC faithful, members of the Rainbow Coalition, and the good people of Rivers State to close ranks, set aside personal differences, and rally behind Hon. O.K. Chinda. Victory is within our grasp”, he concluded.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
