Former Rivers State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole, has dismissed speculation that he is set to follow former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking on Prime Time, an Arise Television programme, on Tuesday, Cole declared his intention to remain in the APC while reaffirming his determination to contest the Rivers governorship in 2027.

Cole, who previously contested and lost in 2019 and 2023, described his latest bid as a “third time lucky” attempt, insisting that his goal of becoming governor remains firm.

“Nobody can take away the fact that Amaechi brought me into politics. I have always respected him and others who have played pivotal roles in my journey,” Cole said. “But he has his ambition, and I have mine. I remain in the APC and focused on Rivers State.”

While acknowledging Amaechi’s shift towards a presidential ambition, Cole emphasized that his own political focus is rooted in Rivers State, where he remains committed to pursuing the governorship seat under the APC.