Former Rivers State governorship candidate under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole, has dismissed speculation that he may join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stating clearly that he will not follow former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, into the party.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Tuesday, Cole reaffirmed his commitment to the APC and declared his intention to run again for the Rivers governorship in the 2027 elections.
This would mark Cole’s third attempt at the state’s top seat, following previous unsuccessful bids in 2019 and 2023. Describing his next run as “third time lucky,” he expressed strong determination to secure the position after years of political engagement.
“I have the goal to become governor of Rivers State,” Cole stated. “I’ve consistently said he [Amaechi] has his own ambition, and so do I. I have my own goals.”
While acknowledging Amaechi’s key role in introducing him to politics, Cole stressed that their political paths have now diverged.
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“Nobody can take away the fact that he brought me into politics. I’ve always had a lot of respect for individuals like Rotimi Amaechi. But he’s pursuing the presidency, and I’m focused on Rivers,” he added.
Cole also commented on the recently concluded local government elections in Rivers, describing the exercise as flawed and poorly executed.
“I don’t agree with the way the elections were done, but it is done; all we have to do is move on to the next one,” he said.
He criticised the lack of public engagement and adherence to democratic principles during the polls, warning against a trend where leaders disregard the voice and rights of the people.
“Democracy is something that is continuous. If we begin to ignore how the people feel and set our own rules, it’s a dangerous trend,” he warned.
