JUST IN: Tonye Cole withdraws from Rivers APC governorship race

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and 2027 governorship aspirant in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has announced his withdrawal from the race, saying his decision was, among other reasons, in the interest of the party’s unity.

Recall that Cole is one of the aspirants for the APC primary election scheduled to hold on Thursday. He also contested the 2023 governorship election in the state.

Others who obtained forms to seek the party’s ticket in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections are the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara; former Commissioner for Works, Dakorinama George-Kelly; and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda.

Cole, in a statement released on Wednesday, said that though his decision was painful, it was in obedience to far-reaching resolutions reached concerning the future of the party in the state and the need to present a united front after several meetings convened by the APC national leadership.

He said following the outcome of the meetings, he had made extensive consultations with his team, associates, supporters, family, and other key stakeholders before deciding to withdraw in the interest of the party’s unity, peace, and collective progress.

Cole also described himself as a loyal party man, a committed democrat, and a firm believer in the supremacy of strong institutions, who has always advocated dialogue, reconciliation, and unity among the various stakeholders and factions within the Rivers State chapter of the APC.

The statement reads, “I would like to address an important development regarding tomorrow’s primaries.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“I wish to sincerely appreciate the thousands of party faithful, supporters, women groups, youths, elders, and well-meaning people of Rivers State who have stood steadfastly with me throughout this journey. Your loyalty, encouragement, and belief in our shared vision have been profoundly humbling and inspiring.

“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, the development of Rivers State, and the important change we all want to see.

“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,” it stated.