Tonye Cole Rules Out Joining Amaechi in ADC, Reaffirms 2027 Rivers Governorship Bid

Former Rivers State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole, has dismissed speculation that he would follow former Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Cole, who has twice contested the governorship without success, declared his renewed ambition to run again in 2027, describing the coming election as his “third-time lucky” attempt at securing the state’s top seat.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Tuesday, Cole emphasized that his political focus remains firmly on Rivers State, even as Amaechi pursues his own ambitions at the national level.

“Nobody can take away the fact that he [Amaechi] brought me into politics. I have always had a lot of respect for him. But he has his goals and ambitions, and so do I. Mine remain with Rivers State,” Cole stated.

The APC chieftain acknowledged Amaechi’s pivotal role in his political journey but stressed his loyalty to the ruling party, adding that he has no intention of decamping to the ADC.

Cole, a businessman-turned-politician, first contested the governorship in 2019 and again in 2023, both times unsuccessfully. His renewed declaration sets the stage for another high-stakes contest in 2027, as Rivers politics continues to witness shifting alliances and party realignments.

With Amaechi’s next political move still uncertain, Cole’s announcement underscores the widening gap between the former allies, even as the APC struggles to consolidate its presence in Rivers ahead of future elections.