“We had a political system before the Europeans came, let’s build it” – APC chieftain, Cole says

Tonye Cole, the 2023 governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has called for a reevaluation of Nigeria’s presidential system of government. Cole argued that the current system is ill-suited for the country’s needs, suggesting that many Africans share similar discomfort with their respective political systems.

This statement adds to Cole’s ongoing critique of political dynamics in Rivers State. He has previously described the state’s political environment as a “running joke” due to the blurred lines between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), questioning which party is truly in charge. Cole emphasized the need for a political reset, stating that impunity has become the first rule of law in the state.

Additionally, Cole has expressed concerns about the state’s governance, labeling Rivers as a “party-less state” and criticizing the influence of a PDP member within an APC-led government. He believes this situation undermines the state’s progress and efficiency.

These remarks reflect Cole’s broader dissatisfaction with the political landscape in Rivers State and his advocacy for systemic reforms to address what he perceives as deep-rooted issues. Every African in their country, are they satisfied with the political system they have and the democracy they have, they will tell you no. Why? Because it is contrary to who we are, absolutely contrary,” he said.

According to him, every successful country has developed a system of government tailored to its unique context, citing Arab nations and China as examples of countries that rejected Western political models.

The former Rivers State APC gubernatorial flag bearer stressed that Nigeria’s system of government should be rooted in its own culture, noting that the country had an indigenous political structure before colonization and should consider returning to it.

“Let us build an African, Nigerian focused political system and we have had it. We had a political system before the Europeans came, we had a political system even when the slave trade was going on. So, what are we running away from? We know what to do,” he added.