A frontline governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tonye Patrick Cole, has officially withdrawn from the party’s gubernatorial primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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In a press statement issued on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Cole said his decision followed consultations with party stakeholders and the national leadership of the APC after a critical stakeholders’ meeting focused on the future of the party in Rivers State.
The former APC governorship candidate stated that his withdrawal was in the interest of party unity, peace, and collective progress, noting that he remains committed to the ideals and aspirations of the party.
According to him, the move was made out of respect for the supremacy of the party and the need to present a united front ahead of the 2027 elections.
Cole pledged his support and cooperation to whoever emerges as the APC governorship candidate after the primaries, while urging his supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and loyal to the leadership of the party.
He also thanked party faithful, youths, women groups, elders, and supporters across Rivers State for their steadfast support throughout his campaign journey.
The APC chieftain reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Rivers State and called on party members to work together to secure victory for the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
