KEY POINTS

• Tonye Cole withdrew from the Rivers APC governorship primary after consultations with stakeholders.
• He cited party unity, reconciliation, and stability as key reasons for stepping aside.
• His exit, alongside Siminalayi Fubara’s, reshapes the Rivers APC governorship race ahead of 2027.

A former Rivers State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole, has withdrawn from the party’s governorship primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday, just as political activities intensified within the APC ahead of its primary election scheduled for Thursday in Rivers State.

Cole’s withdrawal comes at a politically sensitive moment in the state, as key stakeholders reposition ahead of the upcoming election cycle.

Tonye Cole said his decision followed wide consultations with members of his political team, supporters, and key stakeholders within the APC in Rivers State.

He explained that discussions were also held following a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the national leadership of the APC, where the future direction of the party in the state was reviewed.

According to him, the outcome of these engagements contributed to his decision to step aside from the contest in order to support broader party considerations.

Cole cites need for unity, reconciliation, and party stability

The APC chieftain stated that his withdrawal was guided by the need to promote unity, peace, and reconciliation within the party in Rivers State.

Tonye Cole emphasised that his decision was not driven by personal ambition alone but by what he described as the overriding interest of party cohesion and collective progress.

He noted that internal stability within the APC was necessary to strengthen the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Cole added that his decision followed deep reflection and a commitment to ensuring that internal disputes do not undermine the party’s broader political objectives.

In his statement, Tonye Cole pledged full support and cooperation for whoever emerges as the APC governorship candidate after the conclusion of the primaries.

He called on his supporters across Rivers State to remain peaceful and continue working with the party leadership in the build-up to the elections.

Cole also urged party members to prioritize unity and discipline, stressing the importance of working together to secure victory for the APC at all levels in the 2027 elections.

He expressed appreciation to party members, women’s groups, youths, elders, and other supporters who had backed his political journey.