A High Court in Rivers State has nullified the All Progressives Congress (APC) congresses in the state, intensifying the internal leadership tussle within the party.
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Justice Godswill Obomanu issued the ruling in Port Harcourt following a contempt motion filed by a faction of the APC led by embattled chairman Chief Emeka Beke. The motion challenged the validity of the congress that produced Chief Tony Okocha as leader of the Rivers State APC.
Defiance of Court Order
The court had earlier granted an injunction halting the APC congresses, but the party proceeded with the process despite the directive. Members of the faction that secured the injunction informed the court of the breach, prompting the legal review.
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After hearing arguments from both factions, Justice Obomanu nullified the congresses, ruling that the actions of the APC violated the court’s prior order.
Leadership Crisis Deepens
This ruling has further widened the rift within the Rivers APC, with factions loyal to Chief Tony Okocha and Chief Emeka Beke vying for control. The annulment of the congresses is expected to create uncertainty around the party’s structure and leadership in the state.
Political analysts believe the decision could lead to either fresh congresses or prolonged legal battles as both factions seek to solidify their positions ahead of key political activities.
The APC in Rivers State is yet to release an official statement regarding the court’s ruling.
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