Confusion in Rivers APC as Amaechi denies endorsing Tonye Cole

There is apparent confusion in the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the alleged endorsement of Mr Tonye Dele Cole as the governorship candidate of the party for the 2019 election in the state.

There had been reports in the dailies that the minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has appointed Tonye Cole as the candidate of the party for the governorship election for 2019.

According to the reports, the 2015 candidate of the APC, Dakuku Peterside also accepted the development.

However, the Minister denied the reports, saying it is mischievous.

The minister made the denial in a statement from China where he travelled to with President Muhammadu Buhari.

Read also: After failed presidential bids, Utomi now goes for governorship post

The statement, issued by the media office of the Buhari Presidential Campaign, said: “As an individual, a registered voter and a card-carrying APC member from Rivers State, it’s the Honourable Minister’s inalienable, constitutionally enshrined democratic right to back/support/promote any qualified fellow party member of his choice, to aspire to be the candidate of the party in the State in the forthcoming governorship election or any other election.

“However, as a true and thorough democrat, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, a foundation member of the APC and a leading light of the party, recognizes that the Party candidates for the 2019 general elections will be chosen/elected by party members through the prescribed democratic process in the party’s constitution, rules and regulations.

“It is therefore preposterous, mischievous; wholly and intentionally disingenuous and deceitful for anyone to claim, allege or even insinuate that the Honourable Minister has “appointed” a governorship candidate for APC in Rivers State.” Cole, as had been reported, emerged as the consensus choice of the majority of the party caucus headed by Amaechi.

 

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