Former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has withdrawn from the party’s governorship primary election ahead of the 2027 polls.
Cole announced his withdrawal in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying the decision was taken after wide consultations and in the interest of peace, reconciliation and unity within the party.
The businessman and politician said he decided to step aside in order to protect the stability of the APC in Rivers State and to respect what he described as the supremacy of the party.
According to him, the move was not made in haste but came after deep reflection on the future of the party and the political situation in the state.
“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,” Cole said.
“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.”
Cole also pledged his loyalty to the APC and promised to support whoever eventually emerges as the party’s governorship candidate.
He described himself as a committed democrat who believes strongly in institutions and party discipline, adding that the larger interest of the APC must remain above personal ambition.
The former aspirant urged party members and his supporters across Rivers State to remain peaceful and continue to work for the success of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He expressed appreciation to party leaders, youths, women groups, elders and supporters who stood with him during his political journey and throughout the primary process.
Cole said their encouragement and commitment over the years gave him strength and confidence, adding that he remained grateful for their loyalty and sacrifices.
He also appealed to his supporters not to allow his withdrawal to create division or tension within the party.
Instead, he urged them to rally round the APC leadership and work together for victory in future elections.
“Let us unite and work together to secure victory for our President, our party and all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections,” he added.
Cole’s withdrawal is expected to reshape the contest within the Rivers APC as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the next governorship election in the oil-rich state.
Rivers State remains one of the most politically important states in the country because of its economic strength, voting population and influence in the Niger Delta region.
The state has also witnessed intense political rivalry in recent years, especially following the crisis between former Rivers governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The political crisis in the state created divisions across political parties and heightened tension within the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Cole was the APC governorship candidate in Rivers State during the 2023 general election. He contested against Governor Fubara of the PDP but lost in a fiercely contested poll.
Before joining partisan politics, Cole built a strong reputation in the private sector. He is known as a businessman and co-founder of Sahara Group, an energy and infrastructure company with operations across Africa and other parts of the world.
Over the years, he has remained active in Rivers politics and has positioned himself as one of the prominent voices within the APC in the state.
His withdrawal may now open the way for other aspirants seeking the party’s ticket, while party leaders continue consultations aimed at strengthening internal unity.
For many party supporters, Cole’s statement signals an attempt to place party cohesion above personal ambition at a time when political alignments ahead of 2027 are already taking shape across the country.
Although he has stepped down from the race, Cole insisted that he remains fully committed to the APC and its future in Rivers State.
He said his decision should be seen as a sacrifice for the peace and progress of the party and not as a withdrawal from active politics.