Former Rivers State governorship candidate under the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole, has declared that he will not be joining former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Tuesday, Cole reaffirmed his commitment to the APC and announced his intention to run for the governorship seat of Rivers State again in 2027.

Cole, who has contested for the state’s top position twice—in 2019 and 2023—framed his upcoming bid as a “third time lucky” effort, signaling his determination to finally clinch the seat.

On his political relationship with Amaechi, the APC stalwart acknowledged the ex-governor’s influence in his political journey but stressed that their ambitions now lie in different directions.

“Nobody can take away the fact that he brought me into politics. I have always had a lot of respect for individuals like Rotimi Amaechi and others. But he has his own goals and ambitions, and I also have mine,” Cole said.

While Amaechi is said to be pursuing a presidential ambition, Cole emphasized that his focus remains firmly on Rivers State governance.

With this declaration, Cole has officially positioned himself as one of the key contenders to watch in the 2027 Rivers State governorship race.