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A governorship aspirant in Rivers State contesting under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole, has withdrawn from the party’s governorship primaries.
Cole announced his withdrawal in a statement shared on X on Wednesday, saying he withdraw from the race to promote unity and reconciliation within the Rivers State chapter of the APC.
According to him, the move followed consultations with the national leadership of the party, political associates, supporters, and other stakeholders after a high-level meeting on the future of the APC in Rivers State. He described the decision as difficult but necessary for the party’s progress ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Although the decision was difficult, it was taken in the overriding interest of peace, party supremacy, and collective progress ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the statement read.
In respect to the wishes of the national leadership of my party, I withdrew my bid to run for Rivers State Governor in 2027. pic.twitter.com/WaN0oeVpPd
— Tonye Patrick Cole (@TonyeCole1) May 20, 2026
The former APC governorship candidate also reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and pledged support for whoever emerges as the party’s candidate after the primaries. He said he remains committed to the ideals of the APC and would give “full support and cooperation” to the eventual flag bearer.
Cole also urged party members and supporters to remain united and work together for the success of the APC and the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Tonye Cole was the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 Rivers State election.
