Reports reaching our news desk indicate that supporters of Gov Siminalayi Fubara across the state are in jubilant mood on Wednesday evening after frontline governorship aspirant, Tonye P. Cole, formally announced his withdrawal from the forthcoming All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primaries.
In a press statement released in Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers state, ahead of the forthcoming primaries, Tonye Cole said his decision followed extensive consultations with party stakeholders, political associates, supporters and the national leadership of the APC.
The former governorship candidate explained that his withdrawal was in the overriding interest of party unity, reconciliation, and collective progress within the Rivers State chapter of the APC.
Gov Siminalayi Fubara
According to him, recent meetings convened by the national leadership of the party centred on the future of the APC in Rivers State and the urgent need for all factions to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“As a committed democrat and firm believer in the supremacy of strong institutions, I have consistently advocated for dialogue, reconciliation, and unity among stakeholders within our great party,” Cole stated.
He noted that after deep reflection and consultations with his political team and loyal supporters, he resolved to respect the supremacy of the party and step aside from the race.
Tonye Cole further pledged his full support and cooperation to whoever emerges as the APC governorship candidate at the end of the primaries.
The development has already sparked fresh political conversations within Rivers APC circles, with many party faithful describing the move as unexpected and strategic ahead of the crucial 2027 political contest.
Cole expressed gratitude to thousands of supporters, women groups, youths, elders, and party faithful across Rivers State who stood firmly with him throughout his governorship ambition.
All efforts to contact him for confirmation proved abortive as at press time.
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Although, the party’s screening committee for gubernatorial aspirants is yet to make its report public, the grapevine has it that the two Wike loyalists, Hon O. K. Chinda and Dax George Kelly were not cleared by the committee.
Leaving only Gov Fubara and Tonye Cole to battle for the slot. With this withdrawal however, means that Gov Fubara will be the sole candidate of the party in the state. He would be returned unopposed.
