Tonye Cole, a Lagos-based businessman and supporter of Rotimi Amaechi, the former Minister of Transportation, has won the APC governorship primary in Rivers State.
Cole won the Democratic primary over three other candidates to become the party’s governorship candidate in the state for the 2023 general elections.
The businessman received 986 votes, defeating Ojukaye Flag Amachree, Seconte Davies, Ibinabo West, and Benrard Mikko, who received 190, 47, 43, and 2 votes, respectively, to finish second, third, and fourth.
Senator Magnus Abe received one despite not participating in the drill.
Larry Odey, the Chairman of the Rivers State APC Governorship Primaries Election, who revealed the results, stated a total of 1308 delegates were accredited and 1295 voted; 1285 ballots were genuine and 12 votes were void.
Meanwhile, the winner, Tonye Cole, encouraged Senator Magnus Abe to put down his swords in his acceptance speech.
Cole, who called the primary the most transparent voting process he’d ever seen, pledged to industrialize the state if elected in the general election next year.
I’d like to express my gratitude to the APC leadership in Rivers State, particularly Rt Hon Chibuike Ameachi, for believing in this process.
“The APC is on a mission to give the people of Rivers State hope. Rivers State will be industrialized. I’d like to thank every other candidate as well.
“I promised to support anyone who wins the primaries, including Sen Magnus Abe, and I’d like to use this means to persuade him to put down his sword.” He stated, “Let us all work together.”
