All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has said his decision to purchase the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2027 election followed assurances from the APC national leadership that the process would be open to all interested contenders to test their popularity.
Cole rejected claims that his move is politically unviable, describing such suggestions as unfounded. In an interview with our correspondent, he also dismissed the notion that the party’s candidate would be imposed by any single individual, insisting that any consensus arrangement must emerge from broad agreement among party stakeholders.
Addressing criticisms about his alleged limited presence in Rivers State outside election periods, Cole refuted the claim, stating that his exposure and educational background should be regarded as assets that can contribute positively to the state’s development rather than grounds for concern. 
