Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
Abuja, Nigeria — Former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State Tonye Cole has publicly rejected calls to step aside for other aspirants within his party, declaring his intention to contest the 2027 Rivers State governorship primary on merit rather than through an automatic ticket. Cole’s stance adds a fresh layer of intensity to the evolving political dynamics within the APC ahead of next year’s general elections.
In remarks made on Sunday, publicly shared through his verified social media handle, Cole emphasised that he is “prepared and committed to participating in the party’s primary,” directly rejecting the notion that any candidate — including high‑profile figures — should receive an uncontested nomination. He framed his decision around the principle of internal party democracy, insisting that the APC’s selection process should be competitive and reflect the will of party members.
Cole’s comments come against the backdrop of political manoeuvring in Rivers State following the defection of Governor Siminalayi Fubara from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. While Fubara’s move has been interpreted as strengthening his bid for another term, internal party sources have indicated that his candidacy is not guaranteed within the APC, in part due to factional tensions and disagreements among state and national stakeholders. Cole, among others, is pressing for a transparent primary that affords all aspirants equal opportunity to contest.
The former governorship aspirant also raised questions about internal party alignment in Rivers, noting that controversies persist over which state APC faction holds legitimacy. He observed that longstanding political figures aligned with former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, continue to wield influence, and he queried whether those power dynamics have been reconciled with the APC’s leadership at the federal level — challenging assumptions that party unity in Rivers precedes the nomination process.
Political analysts say Cole’s reaffirmation of his ambition signals larger debates within the APC about candidate selection, party cohesion and the role of internal democracy. In a state where political alignments have been fluid — marked by defections, factional disputes, and competing power blocs — Cole’s emphasis on merit‑based primary contests could resonate with party members wary of imposed candidacies or “consensus” choices that bypass grassroots engagement.
Observers note that while the APC leadership has reiterated that all aspirants, including sitting governors and returnees from other parties, must participate in primaries, the reality of political negotiations often involves delicate balancing of interests among influential stakeholders. Cole’s comments underscore the uncertainty surrounding Rivers State’s nomination landscape and reflect broader intra‑party tensions as the APC positions itself for the 2027 electoral cycle.
Cole’s stance also mirrors concerns expressed by other party figures nationwide about ensuring transparent and credible primaries, particularly in states where defections and realignments have complicated traditional party structures. As the APC prepares to formalise its primary timetable and guidelines, voices like Cole’s may shape expectations around competitive contests and internal party governance ahead of the general election year.
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