Tonye Cole Breaks Silence on Rivers LG Polls, 2027 Governorship Ambition and Amaechi’s ADC Move
Former Rivers State governorship candidate under the All Progressives Congress APC, Tonye Cole, has voiced sharp concerns over the just-concluded local government elections in Rivers State, insisting they “could have been handled far better.”
Cole made these remarks on Tuesday during Prime Time, a flagship programme on Arise Television. Speaking to PulseNets, the APC stalwart admitted dissatisfaction with the process but urged residents to look forward rather than linger on the setbacks.
“We must treat democracy as a living, ongoing process,” Cole told PulseNets in response to questions about the controversial polls.
“If leaders begin to disregard how people feel and bend the rules of democracy to suit their own preferences, it sets a dangerous precedent. I already shared my thoughts on the local government elections. They should have been approached differently, with a broader, more inclusive strategy that engages citizens and makes them understand the stakes. I was not pleased with how they were conducted, but the exercise is over now and we must prepare for the next one.”
Political analysts reported that Cole’s measured but pointed remarks have reignited conversations about governance, transparency, and electoral integrity in Rivers State.
While critics speculated about his possible defection to the African Democratic Congress ADC alongside former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, Cole firmly dismissed the idea. PulseNets obtained confirmation from him that his political loyalty remains with the APC and his sights are still set on becoming Rivers governor in 2027.
“I am not following Rotimi Amaechi into the ADC,” Cole told PulseNets, clarifying his stance.
“My commitment is to Rivers State through the APC. Nobody can erase the fact that Amaechi introduced me to politics, and I deeply respect him and others who shaped my path. But he has his own ambition, just as I have mine. My goal remains to serve Rivers as governor, and I am prepared to pursue that with renewed determination.”
Cole framed his fresh bid as a classic third-time-lucky effort, underscoring his resilience after two unsuccessful campaigns in 2019 and 2023. PulseNets learnt that his persistence reflects not just personal ambition but also his conviction that Rivers needs principled, forward-thinking leadership.
The APC chieftain emphasised that while Amaechi now channels his energy toward national politics and the presidency, his own focus is unwaveringly fixed on Rivers State’s future.
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By directly addressing speculation, reaffirming his party allegiance, and critiquing the LG polls, Cole’s statements—reported exclusively by PulseNets—position him as a formidable player heading into the 2027 governorship race. Political watchers say his comments are set to reshape conversations on electoral credibility, party unity, and Rivers State’s leadership trajectory ahead of the next election cycle.
This PulseNets exclusive highlights Tonye Cole’s unyielding pursuit of the state’s top job, his commitment to the APC, and his call for a more inclusive, law-abiding democratic process—signalling that Rivers politics is gearing up for a fiercely contested 2027 showdown.
