In a bold statement about the political landscape in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, the former governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed concerns regarding Governor Siminalayi Fubara's recent alignment with a faction of the party. During a candid interview on Channels Television, Cole articulated that the group led by Emeka Beke is the legitimate leadership of the APC within the state, calling into question the stability of Fubara's political standing after his switch.
Fubara made headlines when he transitioned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC back in December 2025, a move that was met with enthusiastic approval from the national leadership of the APC. Following this switch, Tony Okocha, who heads a different faction of the APC in Rivers, presented Fubara with his membership card. However, Cole believes that this decision could have significant implications for Fubara's safety and political future.
Cole argued that Fubara's allegiance to Okocha's faction may not be beneficial, stating emphatically, "The governor has made a misguided choice by associating with the Okocha faction." He further elaborated that until Fubara aligns himself with the Beke-led group, he cannot be considered a legitimate member of the APC in Rivers State. Despite this, Cole acknowledged that the governor’s defection was, in principle, a strategic political maneuver that many viewed positively.
Cole posed several critical questions: "Who is it that is welcoming Fubara to the APC? Who is issuing him the membership card, and under which entity is he officially registered?" He emphasized that Okocha's faction lacks legal recognition within the APC framework, highlighting the precarious nature of Fubara's current affiliation.
He urged Fubara to reconsider and join the Beke faction, stating, "We would welcome him, as we possess the rightful legal standing to do so. As it stands, he is not in a secure position where he currently is." Cole also issued a cautionary note regarding the potential for history to repeat itself, referencing the crisis during the 2019 elections, when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was barred from recognizing APC candidates in Rivers State. This highlights the ongoing challenges within party dynamics and the importance of solidifying alliances for political stability.
