“I Am Interested in Running for Governor in Rivers State, Not Following Amaechi to ADC” – Tonye Cole

Former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Tonye Cole, has announced his intention to run again for the governorship of Rivers State in the upcoming elections.

Speaking on Prime Time, an Arise Television programme, on Tuesday, Cole described his campaign as a “third time lucky” effort, signaling his determination to finally secure the governorship after unsuccessful bids in 2019 and 2023.

Cole also addressed his relationship with Rotimi Amaechi, former Rivers State governor and minister of transportation, acknowledging Amaechi’s role in introducing him to politics. However, he emphasized that he remains committed to the APC and has no plans to join Amaechi in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“Nobody can take away the fact that he brought me into politics,” 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.”

Cole described his admiration for Amaechi but underscored that their political paths have diverged. “I have always had a lot of respect for individuals like Rotimi Amaechi. He has a goal and ambition where he wants to go, and so do I. I have my own ambition and goals,” he added.