Port Harcourt, Nigeria — The leadership crisis within the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has escalated following a contentious ruling by the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, leading to fierce infighting between rival factions.
On Friday, the appellate court delivered a decision that overturned a High Court injunction previously restraining the APC from conducting congresses in Rivers State. The appeal was filed by the APC’s National Executive Committee, challenging the legal actions initiated by Peter Ohochukwu, who represented the dissolved state working committee under Emeka Beke’s leadership.
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Dispute Over Interpretation Sparks New Tensions
The court’s judgment, which dismissed the suit filed by Ohochukwu, has ignited fresh tensions within the party. While the appellate court emphasized that internal party leadership matters fall outside judicial purview, this nuance has been interpreted differently by the two main factions.
Supporters of Chief Tony Okocha quickly claimed victory. According to Chibike Ikenga, the Publicity Secretary for Okocha’s camp, the ruling affirms Okocha’s status as the rightful APC chairman in Rivers State.
However, the Beke-led faction sharply disagrees. Darlington Nwauju, their spokesperson, argued that the judgment pertained only to the interim appeal and did not overturn the substantive High Court decision issued on August 12, 2024, which had recognized Emeka Beke’s leadership. He insisted that Beke’s tenure remains valid until October 21, 2025.
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Legal Ambiguity Fuels Political Battle
The conflicting interpretations of the appellate decision have fueled a renewed power struggle, with both factions seeking legitimacy. The ambiguity in the ruling’s scope has left party members and political observers uncertain about the party’s immediate direction in the state.
Political analysts say the court’s assertion that party leadership disputes lie outside judicial jurisdiction may open the door for further internal resolutions, but could also intensify power plays within the party.
Fallout and Future Implications
This leadership dispute comes at a critical time for the APC in Rivers State, as political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections begin to take shape. Internal divisions could significantly weaken the party’s cohesion and electoral readiness.
Meanwhile, concerns are growing among party stakeholders who fear that continued factionalism may damage the APC’s credibility and ability to present a united front in upcoming political battles.
A Party at a Crossroads
The ongoing conflict within Rivers APC underscores the fragility of party structures when internal governance and legal boundaries collide. With both camps holding firmly to their interpretations of the court’s judgment, the party’s future remains uncertain. Resolution may require either a clear legal clarification or decisive intervention by the APC’s national leadership to restore unity and stability.
