Tonye Cole, co-founder and former group executive director of Sahara Group, has obtained the governorship nomination form of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state.
Cole was the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 general election, where he came second behind Siminalayi Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who won the poll.
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He said his ambition is anchored on a vision focused on economic growth, security, infrastructure, development and improved governance.
Meanwhile, Fubara has yet to declare whether he will seek a second term in office.
In December 2025, Fubara left the PDP and joined the ruling APC.
Reacting to Fubara’s defection at the time, Cole said the governor joined the “illegal” faction of the APC in Rivers.
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“I remain the leader of the APC in Rivers state. The reason is very simple. There is a legal case, which was instituted by the APC (faction) that elected me as a candidate of the party,” he said.
“That is the Emeka Beke-led faction case. That case was won in court, and the faction was recognised as the APC leadership. That is legal. I stand on that.
“Every other person who claims to be chairman or leader of APC, unless they come under that faction, doesn’t exist as far as the law is concerned.
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“Who is welcoming him (Fubara) to the APC? Who is the one issuing him the membership card? Where is he registered under? Now Tony Okocha is not a legally recognised faction of the APC, and that is where the problem is.
“Even though he (Fubara) is recognised nationally as a member of the APC, the group that has welcomed him is not legally recognised.
“He should come. We will recognise and welcome him because we have the legal standing to do so. He is not safe where he is.”
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