Former Rivers State governorship candidate and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Tonye Cole, has sharply criticized Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for what he described as a confusing stance on his political allegiance. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on September 12, 2025, Cole challenged Wike to clarify whether he is firmly committed to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or the ruling APC.
Cole stressed that Wike’s ambiguous position, claiming membership of the PDP while openly supporting APC President Bola Tinubu, is dangerous for Nigeria’s democracy. “Is he APC or is he PDP? As far as we know today, he is PDP,” Cole said, highlighting the risk of confusing both the electorate in Rivers State and Nigerians at large.
He further criticized Wike for allegedly controlling influence in APC while remaining a PDP member, warning that such actions undermine political pluralism and threaten to create a one-party state where no clear opposition exists.
Tonye Cole urged Wike to end the political limbo by formally joining the APC. He asserted that once Wike’s loyalty is clear, the political landscape would stabilize, allowing other parties such as PDP, ADC, Labour Party, and YPP to grow stronger without interference.
The criticism comes amid continuing political dynamics in Rivers State, where APC recently won 20 of 23 local councils in elections held on August 30, while the PDP won three, including Obio/Akpor, Wike’s political base.
Cole, who is widely regarded as the de facto APC leader in Rivers following the exit of former leader Rotimi Amaechi, emphasized that clear allegiance and party identity are necessary for healthy democratic competition and political cohesion.
The former governorship candidate’s remarks add to the ongoing debate about party loyalty and political strategy in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
More than news- Its Icegate