Cole, who contested the 2023 governorship election in Rivers State, announced his withdrawal in a statement on Wednesday, barely hours before the APC governorship primaries scheduled for Thursday.
The businessman and politician said the decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders, political associates, supporters and family members after recent meetings convened by the APC national leadership on the future of the party in Rivers State.
According to him, stepping down from the contest became necessary to preserve unity within the party and strengthen the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the statement, Cole described himself as a committed democrat who believes strongly in dialogue, reconciliation and respect for party supremacy.
As a committed democrat and a firm believer in the supremacy of strong institutions as the foundation for sustainable development, I have consistently advocated dialogue, reconciliation and unity among stakeholders within the Rivers APC,” he stated.
He added that the APC leadership recently held strategic meetings focused on presenting a united front ahead of the primaries and the 2027 elections.
“Following those meetings and consultations with my political team, supporters and other stakeholders, I have decided in the overriding interest of party unity, peace and collective progress, to withdraw from the forthcoming primaries,” Cole said
Before his withdrawal, Cole was among the leading aspirants seeking the APC governorship ticket in Rivers State.
Other prominent figures linked to the race include Siminalayi Fubara, former Commissioner for Works Dakorinama George-Kelly and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda.
Cole pledged his support for whoever eventually emerges as the APC governorship candidate.
He also urged his supporters to remain peaceful and cooperate fully with the party leadership as preparations continue for the 2027 elections.
The latest development comes amid growing political tensions and internal realignments within the Rivers APC, particularly following the prolonged political rivalry involving Governor Fubara and allies of Nyesom Wike.
Political analysts believe Tonye Cole’s withdrawal could significantly reshape the APC governorship contest and influence political alliances ahead of the 2027 polls in Rivers State.
Cole thanked party faithful, youth groups, women organisations and supporters across the state for standing by him throughout his political journey, insisting he remains committed to the progress of Rivers State and the APC.
