Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) guber aspirant, Tonye Cole has emerged as the party’s flagbearer on Thursday.
Mr Cole polled 986 votes to win the ticket at the party’s primary election. He defeated Ojukai Flagamakere, who came second with 190 votes and Sukonte Davids who got 49 votes.
Larry Ode, the returning officer at the election declared Mr Cole the winner and said other contestants, Michael West got 43 votes, while Benald Miku got two votes and Magnus Abe, one vote.
In his acceptance speech, Mr Cole expressed gratitude to ex-transport minister Rotimi Amaechi, for believing that he has the capacity to give good governance to the people of Rivers.
He also thanked the delegates who voted for him and believed in his capacity.
Mr Cole called on Mr Abe, who described the primary as a charade and other aspirants to join hands with him to deliver Rivers to the APC at the 2023 general elections.
Mr Abe, though did not withdraw from the primary election, said he refused to participate because the indirect primary election option chosen did not meet the standard of the party.
