Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2023 governorship election in Rivers State, has reassured his supporters that he will continue to pursue his petition challenging the outcome of the March 18 election until a just resolution is reached. In a statement on his social media platforms, Cole affirmed his commitment to the cause, addressing the rumors of withdrawal that had been circulating.
He stated, “I want to formally denounce the false rumors surrounding our petition against the results of the Rivers State governorship election. Rest assured, our petition remains firm and unwavering. We will persist in our pursuit of justice. Despite attempts to undermine our efforts, I want to emphasize that we are working tirelessly to ensure that our voices are heard. We remain steadfast and resolute in our fight for what is right until justice is served.”
Meanwhile, Joe Korka-Waadah, a prominent member of the Rivers APC, accused the Rivers PDP of influencing the reported withdrawal of the APC from the petition challenging Similiayi Fubara’s victory as the governor-elect of Rivers State.
Korka-Waadah alleged, “What is the extent to which the Rivers PDP will go to distract the APC from the case of a stolen mandate before the tribunal? Why are they afraid if they truly have a strong case? I urge the good people of Rivers State to disregard these deliberate tactics. They are as flimsy as they are deceptive. The Rivers APC is in court, and Pastor Tonye Cole stands firm in his quest to reclaim the mandate bestowed upon him by the people of Rivers State. Do not be deceived. We will not falter, and we will not be swayed. In the end, we will reclaim our stolen mandate.”
In response, Ogbonna Nwuke, a PDP chieftain and former member of the House of Representatives, dismissed the claims made by Cole and the APC, stating, “No amount of blackmail or baseless accusations can change the fact that Fubara won the election fair and square. Cole blames the PDP for everything as a sore loser. Cole and his confused supporters initially requested the tribunal be moved to Abuja, and now that they are in Abuja, he has abandoned it and still blames the PDP. People should know when to stop pursuing fruitless endeavors.”