Businessman and politician Tonye Cole has warned that democracy in Rivers State is at risk if one person is allowed to dominate multiple political parties.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE TV, Cole explained that healthy opposition is necessary for any democracy to grow. He said history has shown that Nigerians often resist attempts by one group or leader to take full control of the political system.
According to him, past efforts by powerful figures to dominate the political space were met with strong pushback from citizens and political actors, showing that balance and fairness are important in governance.
Cole pointed to the situation in Rivers State, where he claimed that a single individual appears to have influence across both the All Progressives Congress and the People’s Democratic Party. He noted that the All Progressives Congress seems to be benefiting from this situation.
He argued that such control weakens democracy because it limits alternative voices and reduces real political competition.
Cole stressed that democracy works best when different groups can challenge each other freely, ensuring accountability and better leadership. He added that even if the APC gains from the situation, it is not healthy for the political system in the long run.
He concluded that open competition must be protected to keep democracy strong and fair.
In his words, “Rivers State, one individual, controlling the APC and PDP, ensuring that there’s no voice in Rivers State outside of APC and PDP. And I’ve consistently said that cannot stand.”