Tonye Cole, the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, expressed shock at the appointment of former Governor Nyesom Wike and some card-carrying members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
Speaking on Tuesday, Cole conveyed the party’s concerns about loyal supporters who he believes should not be left without compensation.
Tonye Cole led rivers APC delegation seeks reconciliation
Cole led a delegation of prominent Rivers APC members on a courtesy visit to Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the leader of the National Working Committee at the APC’s national headquarters in Abuja. After the meeting, Cole told reporters that the Rivers APC was ready for reconciliation with the new APC leadership, emphasizing their willingness to collaborate.
“We can only urge the President and leader of our great party to do more for God’s glory and the APC’s good,” Cole stated. “This includes appointing our sons and daughters to key positions and other forms of empowerment for our members who have remained loyal despite significant human and material losses.”
He also recounted the violence and political upheaval experienced by the party in Rivers State after the general elections and how party candidates were unable to file petitions with INEC.
Cole expressed disappointment at the lack of representation for Rivers APC members at any level of government, both at the federal and state levels, and called attention to the appointments of former PDP members to key positions in the APC Federal Government.
In response to the delegation, Ganduje assured them that the APC would consider their request and present it to the President for urgent review.
Ganduje stressed the importance of compensation in politics, particularly in the reconciliation process.
“We believe we have taken the right steps to rebuild APC in Rivers State,” Ganduje said. “We cannot allow your suffering to be in vain. Compensation in politics is crucial, and we will address this matter and create an environment for those who left the party to return.”