Fubara's Future in APC Uncertain After Joining Okocha Faction, Says Cole
The political landscape in Rivers State is heating up as Tonye Cole, a former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has voiced concerns about Governor Siminalayi Fubara's recent alignment with a controversial faction. In a recent interview, Cole emphasized the potential risks Fubara faces by joining the Tony Okocha-led faction, which he claims is not legally recognized by the APC.
Cole's statement comes in the wake of Fubara's defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in December 2025, an event that was publicly welcomed by the national leadership. However, Cole argues that the Okocha faction is not a legally recognized entity within the APC, which could have significant implications for Fubara's political future.
Cole highlights a critical point: Fubara's national recognition as an APC member does not guarantee his safety or legal standing within the party in Rivers State. He warns that the APC must learn from the 2019 election crisis, where a court barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the party's candidates in the state. This crisis, Cole suggests, underscores the importance of maintaining a unified and legally recognized structure within the party.
Cole's comments raise questions about the legitimacy of Fubara's current alignment and the potential consequences for his political career. As the APC in Rivers State navigates this complex situation, the outcome of this dispute could significantly impact the party's future and the prospects of its members.
