In a recent interview, Tonye Cole, a prominent figure in Rivers State politics and former candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), has announced his intention to pursue the governorship of Rivers State once more.
This marks his third attempt at the position, following unsuccessful runs in the 2019 and 2023 elections. Cole, who has built a reputation as a dedicated political contender, shared his aspirations during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time program, which aired on Tuesday evening.
Cole’s decision underscores his unwavering commitment to leading Rivers State, a key oil-rich region in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. He described his upcoming campaign as a “third time lucky” endeavor, reflecting optimism and resilience after previous electoral setbacks. In the 2019 election, Cole vied for the governorship under the APC banner but faced stiff competition from the incumbent People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate.
Similarly, in 2023, he contested again amid heightened political tensions in the state, yet the results did not favor him. Despite these challenges, Cole emphasized that his focus remains squarely on addressing the needs of Rivers residents, including economic development, infrastructure improvements, and security enhancements.
A significant portion of the discussion revolved around Cole’s relationship with Rotimi Amaechi, the former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transportation. Amaechi, who mentored Cole early in his political career, has since shifted his ambitions toward a presidential run and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Cole expressed deep gratitude for Amaechi’s influence, stating, “Nobody can take away the fact that he brought me into politics.” He highlighted how Amaechi’s guidance opened doors for him in the political arena, allowing him to gain experience and visibility.
However, Cole made it clear that he has no plans to follow Amaechi’s path to the ADC. Instead, he reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, the party that has been his political home since his entry into the field. “I have always had a lot of respect for individuals like Rotimi Amaechi and others,” Cole noted.
“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.” This statement illustrates a mutual respect between the two, but also a divergence in their political trajectories. While Amaechi eyes the national stage with his presidential aspirations, Cole is determined to stay rooted in Rivers State politics.
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Cole further elaborated on their current positions, saying, “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.”
This choice highlights Cole’s strategic focus on local governance issues, such as tackling youth unemployment, improving healthcare access, and boosting the state’s non-oil sectors like agriculture and tourism. Rivers State, with its strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy, has long been a battleground for political influence, and Cole’s persistence signals his belief in the APC’s potential to reclaim the governorship.
The announcement comes at a time when Nigerian politics is gearing up for the next electoral cycle, expected around 2027. Cole’s resolve could reshape the APC’s strategy in the South-South region, where party loyalty and alliances play crucial roles. His interview has sparked discussions among political analysts about the evolving dynamics within the APC and the broader opposition landscape in Rivers State.
As Cole prepares for this next chapter, his emphasis on personal ambition over party defections positions him as a steadfast contender. Voters in Rivers may see this as a sign of continuity and experience, given his prior campaigns.
Whether this “third time lucky” bid will succeed remains to be seen, but Cole’s clear vision for the state’s future is evident. His commitment to staying with the APC also suggests a stable platform from which to launch his campaign, potentially attracting support from party loyalists disillusioned by recent shifts in leadership.
