The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2023 Rivers State governorship election, Tonye Cole, has announced his withdrawal from the party’s governorship primary election ahead of Thursday’s exercise.
Cole disclosed his decision in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying he would support whoever eventually emerges as the APC candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Rivers State.
According to him, the decision followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the national leadership of the APC, where party leaders and stakeholders discussed the future of the party in Rivers State and the importance of preserving internal unity ahead of the next general elections.
The former governorship candidate explained that after the meeting, he held extensive consultations with members of his political camp, supporters, associates and other relevant stakeholders before arriving at the decision to withdraw from the race.
“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.
He described the move as one motivated by principle, patriotism and deep reflection rather than political pressure or coercion.
According to him, the overriding objective behind the decision was to protect the stability and cohesion of the APC in Rivers State while also contributing to peace within the broader political environment of the state.
Cole stressed that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as abandonment of the ideals and political vision he had consistently advocated over the years.
“Although I may be stepping aside from this contest, I remain fully committed to the ideals, principles, and aspirations that brought us together,” he said.
The businessman-turned-politician added that he would continue to work towards what he described as the important transformation and development Rivers State deserves.
He also thanked his supporters across the state for their loyalty, encouragement and belief in his political vision.
Cole specifically acknowledged the support of women groups, youth organisations, party faithful and grassroots supporters who stood by him throughout his political journey.
According to him, their dedication and commitment remained a source of inspiration and motivation.
Political observers say Cole’s withdrawal is likely to have significant implications for the APC governorship contest in Rivers State, especially considering his prominence within the party and his performance during the 2023 election.
Cole was the APC governorship candidate in the last election and remained one of the leading figures within the opposition party in Rivers State.
His latest decision comes amid ongoing political realignments and heightened tensions within the Rivers political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Rivers State has continued to witness intense political maneuvering following the prolonged rivalry between camps loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The political crisis between both camps has shaped much of the state’s political discourse over the past two years, leading to divisions within party structures, the state legislature and local political institutions.
Analysts believe recent developments within the APC, including the withdrawal of key aspirants, may reflect ongoing efforts by party leaders to avoid internal fragmentation and strengthen cohesion ahead of the governorship election.
Cole’s emphasis on party supremacy and unity is also being interpreted as a signal that influential stakeholders within the APC may be working towards a consensus arrangement or strategic alignment ahead of the primaries.
The former governorship candidate urged his supporters to remain calm, disciplined and fully committed to the APC as the party prepares for the next phase of its political activities.
He appealed to party members to cooperate with the leadership of the APC and avoid actions capable of undermining the party’s unity and electoral prospects.
According to him, sustaining peace and stability within the party remains critical to achieving success in the 2027 elections.
Political stakeholders in Rivers State are expected to closely monitor the outcome of the APC governorship primary scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026.
The exercise is regarded as one of the key developments that could shape the future political direction of the state ahead of the next general elections.
Observers believe the APC will be seeking to strengthen its position in Rivers State amid ongoing political tensions and shifting alliances within the state’s power structure.
Cole’s withdrawal also follows a series of recent political developments involving prominent politicians stepping aside from party contests in different parts of the country.
Analysts say such withdrawals may be connected to internal negotiations, strategic compromises and efforts by party leaders to minimise conflicts ahead of major elections.
Although Cole did not publicly endorse any specific aspirant in his statement, his pledge to support whoever emerges as the APC candidate is expected to influence his political supporters and loyalists across the state.
The APC leadership in Rivers State had yet to officially respond to Cole’s withdrawal at the time of filing this report.
However, party members and political observers are expected to continue consultations as the governorship primary approaches.
With the 2027 election season gradually gathering momentum, Rivers State remains one of Nigeria’s most politically significant battlegrounds due to its strategic economic importance, voting strength and influence within the South-South region.
