Port Harcourt, Rivers State - Dax George-Kelly has withdrawn from the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary, just hours before the election was scheduled to take place.
The APC primary for the Rivers State governorship election was set for Thursday, May 21, 2026. George-Kelly's withdrawal now positions OK Chinda as the leading contender to become the party's consensus candidate for the 2027 general election.
Political Shifts in Rivers State
According to Nigerian Affairs, Chinda is poised to emerge as the APC consensus governorship candidate following George-Kelly's decision to step aside. This development marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Rivers State, as the party prepares for a pivotal primary election.
The withdrawal comes amid ongoing political realignments within the state's APC chapter, with stakeholders working to present a unified front ahead of the 2027 elections.
George-Kelly's exit leaves Chinda as the sole major candidate, effectively making him the consensus choice. The party is expected to formalize this decision during the primary, which will proceed as planned.
This move mirrors a similar withdrawal earlier by another aspirant, signaling a trend toward consensus-building within the Rivers APC. The party aims to avoid a contentious primary and focus on the general election.
Political analysts note that the consolidation around Chinda could strengthen the APC's chances in Rivers State, a key battleground in the 2027 elections. The party hopes to leverage this unity to challenge the incumbent government.
As Rivers State prepares for this crucial primary, all eyes are on the APC's ability to maintain cohesion and present a strong candidate for the governorship race.
