Appeal Court Voids Rivers APC Congresses, Deepens Party Crisis

The Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt has upheld a judgment nullifying the Rivers State congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision that could further complicate the party’s internal leadership crisis ahead of future political contests in the state.

In its ruling, the appellate court affirmed an earlier judgment that invalidated the congresses which produced the state executive committee led by Chief Tony Okocha. The court held that the exercise was conducted in violation of an existing court order that restrained the party from proceeding with the congresses at the time.

The judgment marks a significant setback for the APC in Rivers State, where internal divisions have persisted in recent years amid struggles for control of the party structure. Legal experts say the ruling effectively nullifies the outcome of the congresses and raises questions about the legitimacy of decisions taken by the executive committee that emerged from the exercise.

According to court documents, the case originated from a dispute over the conduct of the party congresses, with aggrieved members arguing that the process was carried out despite a valid court injunction. The lower court agreed with the plaintiffs and declared the congresses invalid, a decision that was subsequently challenged at the Court of Appeal.

However, the appellate court dismissed the appeal and upheld the lower court’s findings, reinforcing the position that political parties must comply with judicial orders regardless of internal considerations.

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The ruling has sparked fresh reactions among APC stakeholders in Rivers State. While supporters of the judgment described it as a victory for the rule of law and internal democracy, others expressed concern over its potential impact on the party’s preparations for future elections.

Despite the court decision, leaders of the APC in the state have sought to downplay its implications. Party officials insist that the judgment will not disrupt the party’s activities or weaken its ability to function effectively in Rivers State.

Political analysts, however, believe the ruling could intensify existing tensions within the party as rival factions seek to assert control over its structure. They warn that prolonged legal and leadership battles could affect the APC’s electoral prospects in a state regarded as one of the most politically strategic in the Niger Delta region.

The latest judgment adds another chapter to the ongoing political and legal disputes surrounding party administration in Rivers State. Observers say the focus will now shift to how the APC resolves its internal differences and reorganises its leadership structure in compliance with the court’s decision.

For now, the appellate court ruling stands as a major legal victory for those who challenged the congresses and a fresh test for the APC’s unity in Rivers State.