The Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Tonye Patrick Cole, has filed an appeal against the ruling nullifying the APC primaries conducted in Rivers State by the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
On October 25, 2022, the Federal High court in Port Harcourt in its decision, ruled in favor of the claimant, George Orlu and four other persons who claimed to have been unlawfully excluded from participating in the All Progressive People’s Governorship primary election. This led to the nullification of the APC primaries, disqualifying Tonye Cole and Innocent Barikor as candidates in the 2023 gubernatorial elections of Rivers State.
However, Tonye Cole maintained his unwavering regard for the judicial process and has thus appealed the ruling to cancel the APC primaries in Rivers State.
He cited the claimant’s request to nullify the election as self-serving and cowardly on the basis that none of them were registered members of the party when they filed the case in Court.
In the meantime, he urged all APC members and supporters in Rivers State to remain calm, steadfast and focused, as their win is guaranteed. He assured them that their names are still on the ballot boxes and will remain during the 2023 elections.