The leadership crisis rocking the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a new turn as rival factions interpret a recent Court of Appeal ruling in Port Harcourt in sharply contrasting ways.
The court on Friday ruled in favor of the APC’s National Executive Committee, overturning an earlier High Court injunction that had restrained the party from conducting its congresses in the state. The suit had been initiated by Peter Ohochukwu, representing the dissolved state executive led by Emeka Beke.
In its decision, the appellate court asserted that issues regarding internal party leadership fall outside the jurisdiction of the courts, thereby dismissing the case.
Following the ruling, the faction loyal to Chief Tony Okocha declared victory. According to its Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, the verdict cements Okocha's position as the legitimate state chairman.
However, the Emeka Beke-led group swiftly countered the claim. Its Publicity Secretary, Darlington Nwauju, argued that the judgment pertained only to an interim appeal and did not nullify the substantive High Court ruling delivered by Justice Sika Aprioku on August 12, 2024, which recognized Beke’s leadership until October 21, 2025.
As tensions rise, the conflicting interpretations have further deepened divisions within the Rivers APC, raising uncertainty over the party’s stability ahead of upcoming political activities in the state.
