Former Rivers State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole, has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to publicly declare his political allegiance and officially join the APC.
Tonye Cole emphasized the need for political clarity and party loyalty, stating that Wike should declare his allegiance and join the APC if that’s where his political interests lie.
Cole argued that Wike’s continued claim of being a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, despite working closely with the APC-led federal government, is sending mixed signals to Nigerians and the electorate in Rivers State. He described the situation as harmful to the health of democracy.
“Is he 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. You are in one party and influencing another party.”
The business executive and politician advised Wike to act with transparency and fully align with the APC if that is where his political interests lie. According to Cole, doing so would eliminate internal divisions and allow for a more coherent political structure in the state.
He stressed that open party affiliations are critical for healthy democratic competition. “Let PDP be PDP, let APC be APC. Let the Labour Party, ADC, YPP, and others operate freely. That’s how democracy thrives,” Cole said.
Wike, however, has repeatedly maintained that he remains a PDP member, even while serving in a key role under the APC-led federal administration, a position that continues to fuel speculation and debate over his true political loyalties.
