PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State — Dax George-Kelly has thrown his weight behind Hon. O.K. Chinda following Chinda’s emergence as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, describing the development as a victory for unity, political maturity and strategic leadership within the party.
In a warmly worded press statement issued in Port Harcourt, George-Kelly congratulated Chinda and praised what he called the wisdom of the Rainbow Coalition in arriving at a consensus that, in his view, places the larger interest of Rivers State above personal ambition.
“I wish to formally and wholeheartedly congratulate Hon. O.K. Chinda on his emergence as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress for Rivers State,” he said.
George-Kelly disclosed that he had participated in the recently concluded APC governorship primaries, but said he deliberately stepped aside in the interest of collective progress and party cohesion.
“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.
His remarks were framed not as a retreat, but as an act of political discipline and statesmanship, underscoring a deliberate effort to strengthen the APC’s internal structure ahead of the general election.
George-Kelly also paid tribute to the leadership and members of the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, commending them for what he described as wisdom, foresight and maturity in shaping the consensus that produced Chinda.
“I wish to express my profound commendation to the leadership and membership of the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State for the wisdom, foresight, and maturity displayed in arriving at this consensus,” he said.
According to him, the decision reflects a broader commitment to presenting only capable and tested hands for the task of governing Rivers State. He insisted that the process was evidence of purposeful leadership rather than political improvisation.
“This is leadership in action, principled, united, and focused on results,” George-Kelly declared.
He went on to describe Chinda as a politician with the kind of background and institutional experience needed to steer Rivers State towards stability and development. In his words, Chinda is far from a new face in public affairs and possesses the legislative depth required for the job.
“Hon. O.K. Chinda is not an unknown politician and professional. His years of distinguished service in the Nigerian House of Representatives, his deep understanding of legislative processes, federal-state dynamics, and the developmental aspirations of the Niger Delta people, make him eminently qualified to lead Rivers State to the next level of prosperity and security,” he said.
George-Kelly’s endorsement went beyond a formal congratulatory note. He pledged total commitment to Chinda’s electoral success and promised to work vigorously for the APC candidate in the run-up to the governorship election.
“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,” he added.
The statement also made clear that George-Kelly sees Chinda’s candidacy as part of a wider political alignment in Rivers State linked to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He reaffirmed his support for the President and said the Renewed Hope agenda is already producing results across the country.
“I hereby pledge my unreserved commitment to working tirelessly for the electoral success of Hon. O.K. Chinda in the forthcoming governorship general election,” he said.
“Equally, I reiterate my firm commitment to the success of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. 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.”
George-Kelly also expressed loyalty to the Rainbow Coalition as led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he described as a visionary and courageous leader whose stewardship has brought direction and structure to the APC in Rivers State.
“I wish to also express my unwavering loyalty to the Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State as ably and courageously led by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Nyesom Wike. 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 stated.
He concluded with a rallying call for unity, urging party faithful and Rivers people to close ranks and back the APC standard bearer.
“Together, under the Rainbow Coalition, we shall deliver Rivers State,” he said.
“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.”
The statement ended on a triumphant note with traditional political valedictions in support of the coalition, the APC, Rivers State and Nigeria.
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