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A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Alabo George-Kelly, has withdrawn from the party’s forthcoming governorship primaries, pledging support for whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.

His withdrawal comes hours after Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, also announced his decision to step down from the APC governorship primary race in what observers see as part of ongoing political realignments within the party ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, George-Kelly said his decision followed a crucial stakeholders’ meeting convened by the national leadership of the APC, where deliberations focused on the future of the party in Rivers State and the need for unity and strategic alignment.

The aspirant, who described himself as a committed member of the Rivers State Rainbow Coalition for President Bola Tinubu under the leadership of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, said extensive consultations with members of his political team and other stakeholders informed his decision.

“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,” he stated.

“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.

The withdrawal further signals intensifying political consultations and strategic recalibrations within the Rivers APC as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.

George-Kelly said his political journey has always been guided by leadership, loyalty, and respect for constituted authority, stressing his continued commitment to the APC and President Bola Tinubu’s political project in the state.

“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 said.

He also urged his supporters and members of the coalition to remain united and continue working together for the progress of Rivers State and the APC.

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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has constituted a 17-member Screening Committee for its presidential, governorship, senatorial and House of Representatives aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Secretary, Ikenna Morgan Enekweizu, the committee was inaugurated on Tuesday.

Former two-term Governor of Ebonyi State and ex-Senator, Sam Egwu, was named chairman of the panel, while the party’s National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, will serve as secretary.

According to the statement, the committee comprises party leaders, professionals and members of the party’s National Working Committee.

Other members of the panel include Comrade Babatunde Ali as deputy chairman, Buba Galadima, Hon. Mohammed Sani Takori, Daniel Onifade, Ikeddy Isiguzo, Wole Adedayo, Dr. Osusu Osusu, Chief Asukewe Ikoawaji, Prof. Udenta Udenta, Barr. Frederick Owotorufa, Hannatu Tanko, Dogo Shammar, Sir Henry Obaze, Clement Agiagie and Barr. Fatima Musa Abba.

The party said the committee would oversee the screening of aspirants seeking to contest elective offices on the platform of the NDC, including the presidency, governorships and seats in the National Assembly.

The development is part of the party’s ongoing preparations for the next electoral cycle as it intensifies internal processes aimed at strengthening its structures nationwide.

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Former Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has emerged as flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the Delta North Senatorial district for the 2027 general election.

Okowa defeated the incumbent, Senator Ned Nwoko in the party’s direct primaries held in the various wards across the nine local government areas in the senators district.

Okowa won in by a wide margin in the primary election, polling 113, 309 while Nwoko got 2, 612 votes.

Delta State National Assembly Primary Election Committee of the Party, Eugene Odo said: “Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, having secured the highest number of votes of APC senatorial primaries in Delta North is hereby declared winner of the election”.

In Delta Central, the incumbent, Senator Ede Dafinone clinched the party’s senatorial ticket, defeating his in predecessor and former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

Dafinone polled a total of 116, 252 votes while Omo-Agege scored 3, 643.

The Secretary to the Delta State National Assembly Primary Election Committee of the Party, Barr. Nusa Amagbor who served as the retuning officer for the election, said: “Based on the authenticated results before me; Senator Ede Dafinone scored a total of 116,252 votes, his opponent scored a total of 3,643 votes.

“Having satisfied all the requirements of our great party and having secured the highest number of valid votes cast in this primary, Senator Ede Dafinone is hereby declared the winner of the Delta Central Senatorial District primary election.”

Meanwhile, Ned Nwoko’s support group has urged stakeholders to let the will of the people prevail in the primary to determine candidate of the party in Delta North Senatorial district.

In their call for fair play, Nwoko Campaign Group in a message, through Ekene Kerry, Director General, alleged state hijack of the Senate primary to block Nwoko’s reelection in favour of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.