Tonye Cole: Fubara not safe in Rivers APC faction

Former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has cast doubt over Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s position within the party, saying the governor aligned with a faction that is not legally recognised in the state.

Fubara’s defection sparks legal questions in Rivers APC

Cole, speaking in an interview said Fubara’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in December 2025, though welcomed by the national leadership, placed him in a precarious legal and political position due to factional disputes within Rivers APC.

He explained that while Fubara was issued an APC membership card by Tony Okocha, the leader of one faction, this group does not hold legal recognition within the state, leaving the governor’s status uncertain.

“Who is welcoming him (Fubara) to the APC? Who is the one issuing him the membership card? Where is he registered under?” 

Cole highlights risks of aligning with non-recognised faction

Cole warned that the APC must learn from the 2019 Rivers election crisis, when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was barred from recognising the party’s candidates due to internal disputes.

He said ensuring proper alignment with the legally recognised faction is critical to avoid a repeat scenario.

According to Cole, Fubara’s political move to join the APC was strategically sound but requires careful navigation to gain legitimate recognition at the state level.

He noted that the Emeka Beke-led faction remains the rightful authority within Rivers APC and must formally endorse the governor for him to be fully integrated.

“This is a legal and political issue. Even if you are nationally recognised, the state-level rules and recognised bodies matter. Fubara needs to align with the Beke-led faction to be safe politically and legally within Rivers State,” Cole added.