Tonye Cole, ex-governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers, says he will run for the state’s governorship in the next elections.
Speaking on Prime Time, an Arise Television programme, on Tuesday, Cole said he has the goal to become governor of Rivers.
He framed his latest bid as a “third time lucky” effort, signalling his determination to finally clinch the position after years of political engagement.
Cole contested the Rivers governorship twice in 2019 and 2023 but was unsuccessful on both occasions.
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Speaking about his relationship with Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation, Cole acknowledged that the ex-governor of Rivers played a pivotal role in introducing him to politics.
Cole added that he remains committed to the APC and has no intention of following Amaechi to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“Nobody can take away the fact that he brought me into politics,” Cole said, noting that while Amaechi is now pursuing the presidency, he remains focused on Rivers state.
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“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,” Cole said.
“Where we stand today, he is interested in running for president, and he has gone to pursue that. I am interested in running for governor in Rivers state and I’m staying there.”
