Tonye Cole, a Lagos-based businessman and an ally to the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has won the All Progressives Congress governorship primary in Rivers State.
Cole defeated three other candidates who turned up at the primary to emerge as the party’s governorship candidate in the state for the 2023 general elections.
The businessman polled a total of 986 votes to defeat Ojukaye Flag Amachree, Seconte Davies, Ibinabo West, and Benrard Mikko, who scored 190, 47, 43 and 2 to come a distant second, third and fouth respectively.
Although Senator Magnus Abe did not turn up for the exercise, he still garnered one.
The Chairman, Rivers State APC Governorship Primaries Election, Larry Odey, who announced the result said a total of 1308 delegates were accredited while 1295 voted; 1285 votes were valid while 12 votes were voided.
Meanwhile the winner, Tonye Cole, in his acceptance speech, urged Senator Magnus Abe to sheath swords.
Cole who said the primary was the most transparent electoral process he has witnessed, promised to industrialise the state if elected in the main elections next year.
“I want to thank the leadership of APC in Rivers State and Rt Hon Chibuike Ameachi for believing in this process.
“APC is on a mission to bring hope to the people of Rivers State. We will industrialise Rivers State. I want to also thank every other aspirant.
“I had made a promise to suppprt anyone who emerges winner at the primaries including Sen Magnus Abe, and I want to use this medium to urge him to lay down his sword. Let us all work together,” he stated.
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