The leadership crisis rocking the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) took a dramatic turn as the Court of Appeal has upheld a High Court order nullifying the ward, local government, and state congresses that produced the Tony Okocha-led executive committee.
The development is being viewed as a major legal setback for the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), , amid the lingering battle for control of the party structure in the oil-rich state.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Elfreida Williams-Dawodu, the appellate court dismissed an appeal filed by APC chieftain , who had challenged the competence of the High Court’s ex parte order restraining the party from conducting the disputed congresses.
Okocha had argued before the appellate court that the High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter and was therefore not empowered to issue an order halting the congresses. However, the Court of Appeal disagreed with his position, affirming that the lower court acted within its legal powers in granting the restraining order.
The appellate court consequently struck out the appeal for want of competence, effectively reinforcing the earlier decision that invalidated the congresses from which the Okocha-led executive emerged.
Political observers say the ruling could significantly reshape the power dynamics within the Rivers APC, where rival factions have been engaged in a prolonged struggle for supremacy ahead of future electoral contests. The judgment is also expected to intensify debates over the legitimacy of the current party structure in the state.
Despite the setback, the Okocha camp has moved swiftly to reassure its supporters. Speaking on the judgment, the publicity secretary of the faction, , maintained that the status of the executive committee remains intact pending the substantive hearing of the case.
According to him, the appellate court’s decision does not immediately dislodge the leadership of the faction, stressing that party members should remain calm and focused.
Chibike further disclosed that the legal team representing the faction would carefully study the certified copy of the judgment before determining the next line of action, including the possibility of pursuing further legal remedies.
The latest ruling adds another chapter to the protracted legal and political contest within the Rivers APC, a battle that continues to attract national attention due to the involvement of influential political actors and its potential implications for the party’s future in the state.
