Former Rivers State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Tonye Cole, has dismissed speculations that he is set to join former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi.
He clarified that he has no plans of moving to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, despite Amaechi’s new political direction.
Speaking during an interview on Prime Time, a programme on Arise Television, on Tuesday, Cole clarified that while Amaechi may have moved on politically, he remains committed to his governorship ambition in Rivers under the APC.
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Cole, who has contested for the position twice in 2019 and 2023 without success, framed his latest attempt as a “third time lucky” effort, stressing his determination to win in 2027.
“Nobody can take away the fact that he brought me into politics,” Cole said, acknowledging Amaechi’s role.
“I have always had a lot of respect for individuals like Rotimi Amaechi and others. I have consistently said he has a goal and ambition where he wants to go, and so do I. I have my own ambition and goals.”
He further noted that while Amaechi is now focused on the presidency, his own focus is firmly on Rivers State.
“I am not leaving the APC, and I have no intention of joining the ADC.
“My heart is with Rivers, and my plan remains to give the state the leadership it deserves,” he added.
Cole also expressed optimism about his third governorship bid, saying: “This is not just about me running again.
“It is about the people of Rivers finally getting the change they have been asking for. I believe 2027 will be different.”
