Tonye Cole has announced his withdrawal from the All Progressives Congress, APC, Rivers State governorship primaries, citing party unity and the need for cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Cole said his decision followed consultations with party stakeholders, associates, supporters, and members of his political team after recent engagements within the party leadership.
He explained that the move was driven by his commitment to internal stability and the collective progress of the party in Rivers State.
He said, “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 and the development of Rivers State and for 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.
God bless the APC.
God bless Rivers State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Cole signed the statement as Tonye P. Cole, mni, describing himself as an APC governorship aspirant in Rivers State.
