APC Ex-Governorship Candidate Tonye Cole Expresses Displeasure Over Rivers State LG Elections

Tonye Cole, a former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the recently concluded Local Government elections in the state, noting that the process could have been conducted in a better and more transparent manner.

Cole made his remarks on Tuesday during an interview on Prime Time, a flagship programme aired on Arise Television. While addressing the outcome of the polls, he admitted that though he did not approve of how the elections were carried out, the state must now look forward and focus on future political engagements.

According to him, democracy thrives on respect for laws, fairness, and the participation of the people. He warned that disregarding citizens’ voices and bending democratic rules to suit personal interests is a dangerous precedent that could harm governance in the long run.

In his words:

“One of the critical things we must be careful about is that democracy is a continuous process. If we begin to disregard how the people feel, neglect the rules that guide democracy, and instead create our own, it sets a dangerous trend.”

The APC chieftain further emphasized that the local government elections could have been managed differently with a more holistic approach. He stressed the importance of engaging citizens in the process and ensuring they understand that elections directly impact their overall well-being.

“I’ve already spoken about the local government elections. I feel that they could have been conducted differently. It could have been done better, with broader inclusiveness and citizen engagement. That would have reinforced trust in the process and improved the credibility of governance at the grassroots level,” he explained.

Despite his reservations, Cole acknowledged the reality of the concluded exercise, urging everyone to move forward while preparing for the next electoral challenge.

“I don’t agree with the way the elections were conducted, but it has already been concluded. At this point, all we can do is focus on what lies ahead and ensure the next elections are more credible and fair,” he concluded.

His statement adds to the growing conversations around the conduct of elections in Nigeria, especially at the grassroots level, where transparency and citizen participation remain key to strengthening democratic institutions.