Tonye Cole urges Wike to join APC, end political ambiguity

Former Rivers State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole, has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to openly declare his political allegiance.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Cole advised Wike to formally defect to the APC in order to remove lingering doubts about his loyalty and political stance.

Wike, a former Rivers governor and key figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been serving in President Bola Tinubu’s APC-led government, a situation that has fueled divisions within the PDP since the 2023 elections.

“Is he (Wike) APC or is he PDP? As far as we know today, he is PDP,” Cole said.

“We cannot continue confusing the electorate in Rivers State and confusing Nigerians because it is dangerous for democracy; that you are in one party and controlling another party.”

He argued that Wike’s open declaration for the APC would not only clarify his position but also strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and bring stability to Rivers State politics.

“The only person who is left to make a declaration as to where he stands in all of this is the minister, Nyesom Wike,” Cole continued. “Where I would implore him to act honourably is to come and join the APC. Leave the PDP, come and join the APC so that we all know now that we are standing in one bloc — no division, no confusion.”

He further stressed that allowing political parties to freely consolidate their strength without interference would deepen democratic practices. “Allow PDP to be, allow ADC to be, allow Labour Party to be, allow YPP to be. That’s what democracy is about,” he said.

Despite his prominent role in the APC-led administration, Wike has repeatedly maintained that he remains a member of the PDP.