Former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has called for a thorough review of Nigeria’s presidential system of government, arguing that it is ill-suited to the country's specific context. Speaking on Channels Television’s *Politics Today*, Cole criticized the system—patterned after the American model—for failing to promote accountability or strengthen institutions in Nigeria. He noted that it is easily manipulated by a select few, rendering it ineffective in tackling the nation’s governance issues. “This American system that we call the presidential system in Nigeria, we need to go and readdress it. We cannot import the parliamentary system of the UK, and it will not work here; we cannot import a presidential system, and it will not work here,” he said on Friday. “Every African in their country are satisfied with the political system and democracy they have, but they will tell you no. Why? Because it is contrary to who we are, absolutely contrary.” Cole emphasised that successful nations have built governance systems tailored to their historical and cultural contexts. He cited Arab countries and China as examples that have consciously rejected Western political models in favor of homegrown systems better aligned with their societal values. He further argued that many Africans feel disconnected from the democratic systems they operate under, noting that these models often conflict with traditional African values and governance practices. He advocated for a return to Nigeria’s indigenous political foundations, which he believes were effective before colonisation disrupted them. “Let us build an African, Nigerian-focused political system, and we will have it. We had a political system before the Europeans came, and 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,” Cole said.