"Joining a faction can be a risky move, especially when it comes to politics, and that’s exactly what Tonye Cole, the former gubernatorial candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has highlighted regarding Governor Siminalayi Fubara. In his recent discussion on Channels Television, Cole expressed his concerns about Fubara's decision to align with a group he considers a faction of the party within the state.
Cole firmly believes that the true leadership of the APC in Rivers is represented by the Emeka Beke-led faction, which he deems legitimate. This assertion comes in light of Fubara's shift from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC back in December 2025, a move that was met with applause from the party's national leaders. Following this switch, Fubara received his APC membership card from Tony Okocha, who leads a different faction of the party.
However, Cole strongly criticized this decision, labeling it as the "wrong" choice for the governor. He argues that until Fubara aligns himself with the Beke-led faction, he cannot be legally recognized as an APC member in Rivers. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that Fubara's defection itself was a clever political maneuver that many viewed positively.
Cole posed some thought-provoking questions during the interview, asking, "Who is greeting Fubara as he joins the APC? Who is handing him his membership card? And under which faction is he officially registered?" He pointed out that Okocha's faction lacks legal recognition, which he sees as a significant issue.
Furthermore, even though Fubara might have national acknowledgment as an APC member, the group that has welcomed him into the fold isn’t officially sanctioned. Cole extended an invitation for Fubara to join the Beke faction, asserting that they would gladly accept him because they possess the necessary legal standing to do so, emphasizing that Fubara's current position is not safe.
In a cautionary note, Cole urged the APC to avoid repeating the tumultuous events of the 2019 election crisis, when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was prevented from recognizing the party’s candidates in Rivers State due to legal complications.
This situation raises critical discussions about party coherence and legality in political movements. What do you think about Fubara’s alignment with a faction that some deem illegitimate? Is it a strategic risk or a misguided leap? I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below."
