Tonye Cole, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and governorship aspirant in Rivers State, has triggered renewed political discussions ahead of the 2027 elections by commenting on the possible future of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and whether he may seek a second term, amid ongoing speculation about internal political agreements.
He made this known during an interview on Channels Television, where he spoke about voter sentiment, governance trends, and the uncertainty surrounding key political figures in the state.
According to Cole, many residents are increasingly dissatisfied with the nature of politics in Rivers State, which he described as being influenced by power blocs and entrenched interests rather than genuine democratic competition.
He further argued that voters are becoming more politically aware and are beginning to prioritize competence, credibility, and leadership ability over party loyalty, a shift he believes could reshape future elections.
Cole also addressed rumours that Governor Fubara may not contest the 2027 governorship election, noting that such speculation has circulated widely and may be linked to earlier political understandings within the state’s leadership.
He suggested that comments attributed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have contributed to the belief that Fubara’s second-term ambition may already have been politically settled.
However, Cole stated that while it is normal for an incumbent governor to seek re-election, he does not expect Fubara to run again based on his assessment of the current political climate, and he also described himself as one of the few openly declared aspirants preparing for the race.
“The rumour is that Governor Fubara is not coming back for a second term. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t come back. Because I believe that in the last agreement that was had, this was one of the conditions. I believe the Federal Minister said that over and over again.”
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