Tonye Cole, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has officially withdrawn from the party's 2027 governorship race. The decision, announced on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, was made to preserve unity within the party ahead of the upcoming primaries and general elections.
Cole's Statement on Withdrawal
In a statement, Cole explained that his withdrawal followed extensive consultations with APC stakeholders and the national leadership. He emphasized that the move was driven by the broader interest of the party and the need for a united front. "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," he said.
Consultations with Party Leadership
Cole noted that recent meetings convened by the APC national leadership focused on party unity ahead of the primaries and the 2027 general elections. He said, "In recent days, the national leadership of our party convened a critical stakeholders' meeting during which far-reaching discussions were held on the future of the Rivers APC and the imperative of presenting a united front ahead of the primaries and the 2027 general elections." After these meetings and further consultations with his political team, supporters, family, and stakeholders, Cole decided to step down.
Appeal for Peace and Support
The APC chieftain formally announced his exit from the race, pledging support for whoever emerges as the party's candidate. He stated, "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 described the decision as one made after deep reflection and commitment to party stability. He thanked his supporters across Rivers State for their loyalty and urged them to remain peaceful and cooperate with the party's leadership. "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," he added.
Background and Context
Cole was among key contenders for the APC governorship ticket, alongside Governor Siminalayi Fubara, former Commissioner for Works Dakorinama George-Kelly, and House of Representatives Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda. The APC primary was scheduled for Thursday. Cole's withdrawal is seen as a strategic move to strengthen party unity. In related news, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, recently clarified that his visit to APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda was a personal courtesy, not a political meeting.
