Former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has withdrawn from the party’s governorship primary election ahead of the scheduled exercise.
Cole announced his withdrawal in a statement issued on Wednesday, pledging his support and loyalty to whoever emerges as the APC candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the state.
According to the businessman and politician, the decision followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the national leadership of the APC, where discussions focused on the future of the party in Rivers State and the need to preserve unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Cole explained that extensive consultations with members of his political team, associates, supporters and other stakeholders informed his final decision to step aside from the contest.
“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,” he stated.
He described the move as one driven by principle, reflection and commitment to the stability of the APC and Rivers State, insisting that the decision was not made under pressure.
The development also comes amid a series of withdrawals by key aspirants in different states as the APC intensifies consultations and consensus-building efforts before its primaries.
Cole expressed gratitude to his supporters across Rivers State, including youth organisations, women groups and loyal party members, for standing by him throughout his political journey.
He said their belief in his vision for Rivers State remained a source of inspiration and encouragement.
“Although I may be stepping aside from this contest, I remain fully committed to the ideals, principles and aspirations that brought us together,” he added.
The former governorship candidate stressed that his withdrawal from the race does not signal the end of his political commitment to the state, promising to continue advocating for what he described as the positive change Rivers people deserve.
He also urged his supporters to remain calm, united and fully cooperative with the leadership of the APC as preparations continue for the 2027 elections.
“The important thing now is for members of the party to remain focused on the bigger picture and work together for victory in 2027,” he noted.
The APC governorship primary election in Rivers State is scheduled to hold on Thursday, May 21, 2026, amid heightened political activities and consultations within the party.
Cole was the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 general election and remains one of the prominent political figures in Rivers State politics.
Political observers viewed Cole’s withdrawal as part of ongoing strategic realignments within the Rivers APC as party leaders work to prevent internal divisions ahead of the governorship contest.
