Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Rivers State suffered a second major blow on Wednesday night when former party candidate and frontline aspirant Tonye Cole announced his withdrawal from the race, following Governor Siminalayi Fubara's earlier exit, leaving the contest that was scheduled to hold on Thursday, May 21, 2026, in a state of political disarray. Cole, who was the party's flagbearer in the 2023 governorship election in Rivers State, made his announcement in a personally signed statement released on Wednesday evening, May 20, 2026, citing the need to respect party supremacy and promote peace, reconciliation, and unity ahead of the 2027 general elections. The decision, which came less than 24 hours before the primary was set to take place, followed a critical stakeholders' meeting convened by the national leadership of the APC, where discussions focused on the future of the party in Rivers State and the imperative of presenting a united front.
According to the statement, Cole said the decision was not made lightly but was the product of extensive consultations with members of his political team, associates, supporters, and other key stakeholders. "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," Cole stated. The businessman and former APC governorship flagbearer described the decision as difficult but necessary, stressing that it was informed by deep reflection, patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to the stability, growth, and success of both the party and Rivers State. Despite stepping aside from the contest, Cole pledged his full support and cooperation to whoever emerges as the party's candidate at the conclusion of the primaries and vowed to continue working tirelessly for the development of Rivers State and the important change the people desire.
The former governorship candidate expressed profound gratitude to the thousands of party faithful, supporters, women groups, youths, elders, and well-meaning people of Rivers State who stood steadfastly by him throughout his political journey. He described their loyalty, encouragement, and belief in his shared vision as profoundly humbling and inspiring. He appealed to his supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and steadfast, and to give their full cooperation to the leadership of the party. "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 came just hours after Governor Siminalayi Fubara announced his own exit from the race in a separate statement, citing deep reflection and extensive consultations with his family, friends, and associates. The governor stressed that there comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people, and that Rivers State is bigger than any individual.
The twin withdrawals effectively narrowed the field of aspirants who had been cleared by the party's screening committee to contest the primary. The APC had initially cleared four aspirants for the governorship primary, namely Governor Siminalayi Fubara, former APC governorship candidate Tonye Cole, former Commissioner for Works Dakorinama George-Kelly, and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Kingsley Chinda. With Cole and Fubara now out of the race, the spotlight shifts to the remaining two aspirants, though political observers note that the withdrawals may signal a broader consensus-building effort orchestrated by the party's national leadership to avoid a fractious primary that could undermine the party's chances in the 2027 general elections. However, the development has also been interpreted by some analysts as a sign of the growing dominance of loyalists of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, within the Rivers APC structure, particularly given that several political figures and aspirants believed to be aligned with the governor's camp had been disqualified from other primaries in the state.
Cole had earlier this year purchased the APC nomination and expression of interest forms to contest for the governorship seat, setting up a potential showdown with his former political rivals. However, as the primary date approached, uncertainties mounted over whether the internal party processes would produce a credible and acceptable candidate. In an effort to resolve the brewing crisis, the APC national leadership convened a stakeholders' meeting that brought together key players in the Rivers State chapter, including Governor Fubara, and other influential party leaders. The outcome of that meeting appears to have set the stage for a negotiated exit by the major aspirants. Cole's withdrawal is expected to alter the political landscape of the APC governorship race in Rivers State, especially as the party's national leadership continues efforts to resolve internal disputes and strengthen unity within the state chapter ahead of the crucial 2027 elections.
As of press time, the APC Rivers State chapter had not issued an official statement regarding the impact of the withdrawals on the conduct of the primary scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026. The party had earlier announced that the primary would hold as planned, but with two of the four cleared aspirants now out of the race, it remains to be seen whether the exercise will proceed or whether a consensus arrangement will be finalized in the coming hours. Meanwhile, supporters of the former aspirants have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with the party leadership. The night of Wednesday, May 20, has effectively transformed what was expected to be a competitive primary into a political evacuation exercise, with the two biggest names in the race voluntarily stepping aside. In a state where political battles are often fought to the finish, the decision by both Governor Fubara and Tonye Cole to withdraw hours before the primary is a rare moment of political restraint, but the reasons behind their sudden exits — and the agreements that may have preceded them — will likely remain a subject of intense speculation in Port Harcourt's political circles for weeks to come.
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