Former Rivers State governorship candidate, Tonye Cole, has stirred the political waters by declaring that Governor Siminalayi Fubara's recent move to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is legally flawed and unsafe.
Defection to an 'Illegal' Faction
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television, Cole asserted that Governor Fubara, who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in December 2025, defected to what he termed an "illegal" faction of the APC in the state. The governor was welcomed and presented with a membership card by a rival group led by Tony Okocha.
Cole was unequivocal in his stance, stating that the only authentic and legally recognised leadership of the APC in Rivers State is the Emeka Beke-led structure. He argued that Fubara "moved in the wrong direction" by aligning with the Okocha camp and, as a result, cannot be considered a legally recognised member of the party until he rectifies this.
The Legal Backing for the Beke Faction
Tonye Cole, who maintains he is the leader of the APC in Rivers, based his claim on a court victory. "There is a legal case, which was instituted by the APC (faction) that elected me as a candidate of the party. That is the Emeka Beke-led faction case," he explained. "That case was won in court, and the faction was recognised as the APC leadership. That is legal."
He dismissed all rival claims to party leadership with finality: "Every other person who claims to be chairman or leader of APC, unless they come under that faction, doesn't exist as far as the law is concerned."
A Welcome, But With a Caveat
Despite the strong criticism of the governor's choice of faction, Cole described Fubara's overall decision to defect as an "astute political move" that is welcomed within the party's broader circles. However, he issued a direct caution to the governor.
"Even though he is recognised nationally as a member of the APC, the group that has welcomed him is not legally recognised," Cole stated. He extended an invitation, saying, "He should come. We will recognise and welcome him because we have the legal standing to do so. He is not safe where he is."
A Warning Against Past Mistakes
Cole concluded with a pointed warning, urging the APC to avoid a repeat of the party's 2019 crisis in Rivers State. During that period, a court order barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any APC candidates for the general elections, effectively shutting the party out of the electoral contest.
His remarks underscore the high-stakes legal and political battle for the soul of the APC in Rivers State, with Governor Fubara's membership status now a central point of contention.
