Wike Endorses Dax George Kelly as APC Governorship Candidate, OK Chinda as PDP Candidate 

In a dramatic political maneuver that has sent shockwaves through Rivers State, former Governor and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has thrown his weight behind two major candidates for the 2027 governorship race across different parties.

According to sources close to the development, Wike has endorsed Dr. Dax George Kelly as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate while simultaneously backing Rep. Kingsley O.K. Chinda as the preferred candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The surprise double endorsement underscores Wike’s continued influence in Rivers politics, even after leaving office. Political observers describe the move as a strategic masterstroke aimed at maintaining control across party lines through his widely discussed Rainbow Coalition.

Dr. Dax George Kelly, a former Commissioner for Works under Wike’s administration and currently Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency, is seen as a loyalist with strong technocratic credentials. His emergence as the APC choice is expected to galvanize support within certain blocs aligned with the former governor.

Similarly, Rep. O.K. Chinda, the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives and a known Wike ally from Obio/Akpor, has long been rumored as a top contender. His endorsement for the PDP ticket further cements his position as a frontrunner within the party structure influenced by Wike.

This development comes amid heightened tensions and realignments ahead of the 2027 elections. Analysts believe Wike’s move could reshape the political landscape in Rivers State, potentially forcing other aspirants to reconsider their strategies or seek new alliances.

As reactions continue to pour in from stakeholders across the state, many are watching closely to see how Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s camp and other political heavyweights will respond to this latest twist.