Tonye Patrick Cole, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and governorship aspirant for Rivers State’s 2027 election, withdraws from the APC governorship primaries. Multiple reports say his decision comes shortly before the party’s scheduled primary election on Thursday, in which he was among the contenders.
Cole’s withdrawal is described as being driven by a desire to place the interests of Rivers State first. He also cites the need for party unity as part of the rationale for stepping down from the race. In announcing the move, he frames the action as a show of commitment to the APC and to Rivers State’s broader political direction.
The reports present the decision as a late change to the field of APC aspirants for the Rivers governorship primary, potentially affecting how the party consolidates support ahead of the primaries and subsequent general election campaign.
