May 20, (THEWILL) — The 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has withdrawn from the party’s governorship primary for the 2027 eeneral elections, scheduled for Thursday, citing the need for party unity, reconciliation and respect for party supremacy.
Cole announced his withdrawal in a statement issued on Wednesday after what he described as extensive consultations with members of his political team, supporters and key stakeholders within the Rivers APC.
His withdrawal comes less than a week after the APC cleared four aspirants including incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Cole, George Kelly and Kingsley Chinda, to participate in the governorship primary.
THEWILL had earlier reported growing uncertainty surrounding the political future of Governor Fubara within the APC ahead of the primary election, following the disqualification of several political figures and aspirants believed to be aligned with the governor’s camp.
The developments had further fuelled speculations over the increasing dominance of loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, within the Rivers APC structure.
Against the backdrop of the internal power struggle, Cole said his decision followed a recent 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 to present a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“As a committed democrat and a firm believer in the supremacy of strong institutions as the foundation for sustainable development, I have consistently advocated for dialogue, reconciliation, and unity among the various stakeholders and factions within the Rivers State chapter of our great party, the APC.
“Following that meeting, and after extensive consultations with members of my political team, associates, supporters, and other key stakeholders, I have taken the decision, in the overriding interest of party unity, peace, and collective progress, to respect the supremacy of the party and withdraw from the forthcoming primaries,” Cole stated.
Cole also pledged his support to whoever emerges as the APC governorship candidate after Thursday’s exercise.
“Accordingly, I wish to formally announce my withdrawal from the race and pledge my full support and cooperation to whoever emerges as the party’s candidate at the conclusion of the primaries,” he added.
The businessman and former APC governorship flagbearer described the decision as difficult but necessary, stressing that it was informed by patriotism and his commitment to the stability and growth of both the party and Rivers State.
“This decision was not made lightly. It is the product of deep reflection, patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to the stability, growth, and success of our great party and our beloved state,” he said.
Cole expressed appreciation to party faithful, women groups, youths, elders and supporters across the state who had backed his aspiration, assuring them that he remained committed to the development of Rivers State and the ideals that brought them together.
“Although I may be stepping aside from this contest, I remain fully committed to the ideals, principles, and aspirations that brought us together, and I will continue to work tirelessly for the progress of our party and the development of Rivers State,” he stated.
He further urged his supporters to remain peaceful and cooperate fully with the leadership of the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
“I therefore call on all my supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and steadfast, and to give their full cooperation to the leadership of our great party. Let us unite and work together to secure victory for our President, our party, and all APC candidates in the 2027 General Elections,” Cole said.
