As the All Progressives Congress (APC) prepares for the forthcoming general elections, more groups have been applauding the emergence of its flagbearer, Tonye Dele Cole from its primary on Sunday.

The APC in Okrika Local Government Area has congratulated Cole on his victory at the primary, pledging to support him all the way to his ultimate victory at the gubernatorial election and eventual inauguration as Governor of Rivers State.

Also a political support group in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Project Tonye Patrick Cole (PTPC) applauded its principal, Tonye Cole for emerging the candidate of the party from Sunday’s governorship primary in Port Harcourt.

In a statement signed by the chairman of the party in Okrika, Christian Asifamaka, the LGA chapter of the party said “the chairman, leader, caucus and the entire members of Okrika APC heartily congratulates His Excellency in waiting, Arc. Tonye Dele Cole on his emergence as the standard bearer of the All Progressives Congress, Rivers State”.

“Our dear brother, we, the Wakrike people have unanimously resolved to go with you all the way till you are on the seat of power in Rivers State. Only that will give us joy”.

“Our love for Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi encompasses all envelopes of thoughts any can think about, thus Amaechi speaks, we follow because we love him wholeheartedly.
We urge you to go and make us proud congratulations, Sir.”

On its part, PTPC’s statement, issued on its behalf and made available to newsmen by its convener, Gloria Boma Harry, praised the process that saw to his emergence. 

The statement reads in part: “Congratulations! The Executive Committee and members of Project Tonye Patrick Cole (PTPC) felicitate with you, Tonye Patrick Cole, on your emergence as the Authentic Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rivers State.”

“May God continue to lead you on as you march towards occupying the Government House in 2019. Bravo!!”

Cole emerged the flagbearer of the party for the 2019 gubernatorial election in the state after he polled 3,329 votes to defeat his rivals, Dawari Ibietela George, 491 votes, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, 38 votes, and Magnus Ngei Abe, 1 vote.

Before he resigned to join the race, Cole, who hails from Abonnema in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, was the founder and chief executive officer of Sahara Group and a host of other businesses. He is the son of a former Ambassador of Nigeria, Patrick Dele Cole. 

He will be contesting against the incumbent Governor, Nyesom Wike, who was returned unopposed as the flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday, and whoever emerges candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) between Larry Allison and Precious Elekima.

PTPC pledged to work assiduously and network widely to deliver Tonye Cole as the forthcoming polls, saying he was the best bet for an egalitarian and richly resourceful state like Rivers State.