Tonye Patrick Cole, a leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State and former APC governorship candidate in 2019 and 2023, has formally withdrawn from the party’s governorship primary election scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Cole said the decision was reached after extensive consultations with his political team, associates, supporters, and key stakeholders, following a recent meeting convened by the national leadership of the APC aimed at reconciling various factions within the Rivers State chapter of the party.
“I have taken the decision, in the overriding interest of party unity, peace, and collective progress, to respect the supremacy of the party and withdraw from the forthcoming primaries,” Cole stated.
He emphasized that the withdrawal was made to promote reconciliation, stability, and a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Accordingly, I wish to formally announce my withdrawal from the race and pledge my full support and cooperation to whoever emerges as the party’s candidate at the conclusion of the primaries,” he added.
Cole, co-founder of the Sahara Group and a prominent businessman, thanked his supporters for their unwavering commitment and urged them to remain steadfast in supporting the APC’s eventual nominee. He reaffirmed his dedication to the progress of Rivers State and his continued loyalty to the All Progressives Congress.
This development is expected to narrow the field of aspirants and strengthen cohesion within the Rivers APC as the party positions itself for the 2027 governorship election.