A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Alabo George-Kelly, has withdrawn from the party’s forthcoming governorship primaries, pledging his full support to whoever eventually emerges as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general elections.
George-Kelly’s decision came barely hours after Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, also announced his withdrawal from the APC governorship primary race, further intensifying political realignments and consultations within the ruling party ahead of the next electoral cycle.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the former aspirant said his withdrawal followed a critical stakeholders’ meeting convened by the national leadership of the APC, where discussions centred on the future of the party in Rivers State and the need for unity among members.
According to him, extensive consultations with members of his political team and other key stakeholders informed his final decision to step down from the contest in the interest of party cohesion and loyalty to the APC leadership.
“Following that meeting, and after wide consultations with members of my political team and other critical stakeholders, I have taken the decision, in the overriding interest of party unity and in deference to the supremacy of the party, to withdraw from the forthcoming primaries,” George-Kelly stated.
He formally announced his withdrawal from the race and assured the party of his unwavering loyalty and cooperation with whoever emerges victorious at the end of the primaries.
“Accordingly, I hereby formally announce my withdrawal from the race and pledge my unwavering support, loyalty and cooperation to whoever emerges as the party’s candidate at the conclusion of the primaries,” he added.
George-Kelly, who identified himself as a committed member of the Rivers State Rainbow Coalition for President Bola Tinubu under the leadership of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said his political journey had always been guided by loyalty, discipline and respect for constituted authority.
Political observers believed the withdrawal of both Fubara and George-Kelly may signal deeper strategic alignments within the Rivers APC as the party positions itself for the highly anticipated 2027 governorship election.
The development is also seen as part of ongoing efforts by party stakeholders to prevent internal divisions and strengthen the APC’s chances in Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s politically strategic states.
Reaffirming his commitment to the APC and President Bola Tinubu’s political agenda, George-Kelly urged his supporters and members of the coalition to remain united and continue mobilising for the success of the party.
“The 2027 General Elections present us with a defining opportunity, and I remain fully committed to playing my part in securing victory for our President, our party and the good people of Rivers State,” the statement read.
He also called on party faithful across the state to sustain the spirit of cooperation and unity in order to ensure progress and stability within the APC ahead of the elections.
