Is Governor Fubara's political move a stroke of genius, or a misstep into dangerous territory? Former APC governorship candidate, Tonye Cole, has stirred the pot, claiming Governor Siminalayi Fubara's recent alignment with a specific faction of the APC in Rivers State puts his political standing at risk.
In a recent interview, Cole asserted that the Emeka Beke-led group represents the legitimate leadership of the APC in Rivers. This statement directly challenges the welcoming of Fubara, who defected from the PDP to the APC in December 2025. The national leadership of the APC publicly celebrated this defection, but the situation is more complex than it appears.
Fubara received his APC membership card from Tony Okocha, who leads a rival faction within the party. But here's where it gets controversial: Cole believes this is a critical error. He argues that Fubara's membership isn't legally valid until he aligns with the Beke-led faction. Cole acknowledged that Fubara's defection itself was a smart political move, widely recognized as such. However, the choice of faction is the crux of the issue.
Cole raises a crucial question: "Who is welcoming him (Fubara) to the APC? Who is issuing him the membership card? Where is he registered under?" He emphasizes that the Okocha faction is not legally recognized, creating a potential hurdle for Fubara. Even though the national APC recognizes Fubara, the welcoming group lacks legal standing. Cole stated: "He should come. We will recognize and welcome him because we have the legal standing to do so. He is not safe where he is."
And this is the part most people miss: Cole is wary of a repeat of the 2019 election crisis, when a court prevented the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognizing the party's candidates in Rivers State. This historical context adds weight to Cole's concerns.
What do you think? Is Cole's warning justified, or is this a minor disagreement within the party? Do you believe Fubara made the right choice, or is he indeed in a precarious position? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
