A leading aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship race in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has withdrawn from the party’s primaries, citing the need to uphold party unity and respect internal processes.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday May 20, 2026, Cole said his decision followed a crucial stakeholders’ meeting convened by the national leadership of the APC, where deliberations focused on the future of the party in the state and the importance of presenting a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governorship hopeful explained that after extensive consultations with his political team, supporters, and other stakeholders, he chose to step down in the “overriding interest of party unity, peace, and collective progress.”
“As a committed democrat and firm believer in the supremacy of strong institutions, I have always advocated for dialogue, reconciliation, and unity within our party,” Cole stated.
He formally announced his withdrawal from the race and pledged full support and cooperation to whoever emerges as the party’s candidate at the end of the primaries.
Describing the move as a difficult one, Cole said it was driven by patriotism and a strong commitment to the stability and growth of both the APC and Rivers State.
He expressed gratitude to party faithful, youths, women groups, elders, and supporters who stood by him throughout his campaign, noting that their encouragement remained a source of inspiration.
“I remain fully committed to the ideals and aspirations that brought us together and will continue to work tirelessly for the progress of our party and the development of Rivers State,” he said.
Cole also called on his supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and united, urging them to cooperate with party leadership and work towards securing victory for the APC in the 2027 general elections.