Former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has faulted the conduct of the recently concluded local government elections in the state, saying the exercise could have been done differently and better.
Cole stated this on Tuesday during an interview on Prime Time, a programme aired on Arise Television.
He explained that while he does not agree with the way the poll was conducted, the state must move forward.
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“One of the things that we have to be very careful about is that democracy is continuous,” Cole said.
“Now, if we begin to ignore how the people feel, and we ignore the laws and the rules of democracy, and we set our own rules, I think it’s a very dangerous trend.
“I’ve already spoken about the local government elections. I feel that we could have done it differently. It could have been done better, with a much more holistic approach of engaging people and making sure they understand that this is a process that affects their ultimate well-being.
“I don’t agree with the way the elections were done, but it is done; all we have to do is move on to the next one,” he added.
He dismissed speculations that he would join former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Cole, who has declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election, described his latest bid as a “third time lucky” attempt, after two unsuccessful outings in 2019 and 2023, stressing that he remains determined to become governor of the state.
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Speaking on his relationship with Amaechi, Cole acknowledged the former Rivers governor’s role in bringing him into politics but emphasized that they now pursue different ambitions.
“Nobody can take away the fact that he brought me into politics. 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.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the APC, insisting that he has no plans to defect to the ADC with Amaechi, who is said to be focused on his presidential ambition.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
