Former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state, Mr. Tonye Cole, has withdrawn from the party’s governorship primary election.
Cole announced his withdrawal in a statement issued on Wednesday following consultations with APC stakeholders, political associates and supporters.
His withdrawal came minutes after Governor Siminalayi Fubara also pulled out of the governorship race in Rivers state.
The former governorship candidate said the decision was taken in the interest of party unity, peace and reconciliation within the APC in Rivers.
His words: “Following that meeting, and after extensive consultations with members of my political team, associates, supporters, and other key stakeholders, I have taken the decision, in the overriding interest of party unity, peace, and collective progress, to respect the supremacy of the party and withdraw from the forthcoming primaries.
“Accordingly, I wish to formally announce my withdrawal from the race and pledge my full support and cooperation to whoever emerges as the party’s candidate at the conclusion of the primaries.
“This decision was not made lightly. It is the product of deep reflection, patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to the stability, growth, and success of our great party and our beloved state.”