After the governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the stage seems set for the battle for the Brick House, Port Harcourt, the seat of power in Rivers State.

Tamunotonye Dele Cole emerged the candidate of the APC while the incumbent, Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike was returned unopposed for the PDP.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP), which had Larry Tamunotonye Allison and Precious Elekima as contenders, was yet to produce a candidate.

Cole, who polled 3,329 votes, won Dawari Ibietela George, 491 votes, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, 38 votes, and Magnus Ngei Abe, 1 vote to emerge the flag-bearer of his party at the Rivers APC Governorship Primary held at Igbo-Ukwu field, D/Line, Port Harcourt.

Delegates of the PDP converged at the Sharks Football Stadium, Port Harcourt where they voted to return Governor Wike as the flag-bearer of the party.

Earlier in the day, there were three explosions of dynamite around the vicinity of the APC primary by unknown assailants. The Police was yet to make a statement on the incidents.

In his acceptance speech, Cole promised that when elected governor of Rivers State he would prioritize the return of “a sense of peace and security to the state, pursue genuine reconciliation encompassing the “deeply aggrieved by bitter politics, deadly rivalries, winner takes all mentality and a me-first psychology to life”.

He also promised to “embrace those from other political leanings that are willing to put the rebuilding of the pride and honour of the State before their personal and political ambitions”..

The APC flag-bearer thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, and the national executive, State Chairman, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, and the state executive, and other leaders of party for the success of the primary.

He also expressed appreciation to the security agencies comprising the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Department of State Services, the Army, Navy, and Air Force, noting that “your efforts are not ignored at all and deeply appreciated”.