The Court of Appeal has upheld a high court order nullifying the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) ward, local government, and state congresses that produced the Tony Okocha-led executive committee loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike. The decision, delivered by Justice Elfreida Williams-Dawodu of the Court of Appeal, confirms the validity of the earlier injunction that barred the APC from holding its internal elections in the state. This ruling comes after Okocha’s faction challenged the High Court’s ex parte order, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction to intervene in party affairs. The appellate court, however, dismissed the appeal, stating it was incompetent and lacked legal merit.
The case began when the High Court issued an interim injunction preventing the APC from conducting its congresses in Rivers State. Okocha, who leads the faction aligned with Wike, had filed an appeal to overturn the order, claiming the High Court had no authority to interfere in internal party matters. He argued that such decisions should be left to the party’s own structures and not subject to judicial intervention. Despite these claims, the Court of Appeal found that the High Court had the necessary jurisdiction to issue the order, especially given the potential for abuse of power and violation of party regulations.
Justice Williams-Dawodu’s judgment emphasized that the court’s role in such matters is to ensure that party activities comply with constitutional and statutory frameworks. The ruling reaffirms the judiciary’s power to intervene when there are allegations of misconduct or irregularities in political party processes. The decision also underscores the importance of legal procedures in resolving disputes within political organizations, particularly in a state as politically sensitive as Rivers.
Meanwhile, Ikenga Chibike, Publicity Secretary of the Okocha-led APC executive, has reassured members that the status of their leadership remains intact pending the full trial of the matter. He stated that the party’s legal team is currently reviewing the full judgment to determine the next course of action. Chibike emphasized that the party will continue to operate normally and remain committed to its mandate, despite the legal challenges. He also urged members to stay united and focused on the party’s goals.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for party politics in Rivers State, especially as the APC prepares for upcoming elections. With the court’s decision reinforcing the need for legal compliance in party activities, political actors may be compelled to adhere more strictly to established rules. The case also highlights the growing trend of judicial involvement in internal party disputes, a development that may influence how political parties manage their internal affairs in the future. As the matter proceeds to trial, all eyes will remain on Rivers State to see how the APC navigates this legal and political challenge.
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