Amaechi’s Anointed Aspirant, Tonye Cole Wins Rivers APC Gov Ticket

Tonye Cole, an ally of the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has won the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State.

Cole emerged the winner of the electoral process after defeating three other aspirants on Thursday to emerge as the sole candidate of the party ahead of the 2023 race.

The businessman polled 986 votes to defeat Ojukaye Flag Amachree, Seconte Davies, Ibinabo West, and Bernard Mikko, who scored 190, 47, 43 and 2 to come second, third and fourth respectively.

Although Senator Magnus Abe was not at the venue of the primary, he polled one vote.

The Chairman of the Rivers State APC Governorship Primaries Election, Larry Odey, while declaring the result said a total of 1308 delegates were accredited while 1295 voted; 1285 votes were valid and 12 votes were voided.

Tonye Cole while giving his acceptance speech called on Senator Magnus Abe to sheath swords.

Cole who said the primary was the most transparent electoral process he has witnessed, promised to industrialise the state if elected in the main elections next year.

He said, “I want to thank the leadership of APC in Rivers State and Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi for believing in this process.

“APC is on a mission to bring hope to the people of Rivers State. We will industrialise Rivers State. I want to also thank every other aspirant.

“I had made a promise to support anyone who emerges winner at the primaries including Sen Magnus Abe, and I want to use this medium to urge him to lay down his sword. Let us all work together.”