The All Progressives Congress (APC) Rivers State gubernatorial candidate, Tonye Patrick Cole, has refuted claims that he has withdrawn his petition against declared winner of the election Sim Fubara.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Sim Fubara, who scored 302,614 votes, the winner of the election, but opposition parties were not satisfied with the outcome of the polls.

Cole and about nine other candidates who ran for the governorship election in the state filed a petition at the tribunal challenging the outcome of the polls on Saturday, March 18.

Meanwhile, a report emerged on Monday claiming that the Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal struck out the petition filed by Cole and APC following the withdrawal of its counsel.

However, in a one-minute video posted on Tuesday to his Twitter account, Cole stated that the claims are false and that his petition against the state’s ruling party remains firm and steadfast.

The APC candidate also stated that despite the PDP’s efforts to undermine his efforts by spreading false information, he and his party will not relent in our pursuit of justice.

Cole added that he is working tirelessly to reclaim his stolen mandate and ensure that the people of Rivers State’s voices are heard, noting that he will remain undeterred and resolute in efforts to fight for what is right until justice is served. (The Guardian)