The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Chief Emeka Beke has expressed serious concerns over what it describes as misleading interpretations of a recent judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt.

In a joint statement issued by State Chairman Chief Emeka Beke and Publicity Secretary Darlington Nwauju, the faction contends that current interpretations of the Appeal Court's May 2 ruling do not accurately reflect the court's actual decision.

The case in question, Appeal No. CA/PH/371/2024, involves H.E. Abdullahi Ganduje and others as appellants against Peter Ohochukwu and others. The appeal challenged a High Court injunction that had previously restrained the party from conducting congresses in Rivers State.

While the appellate court ruled that matters relating to internal affairs and leadership of political parties are non-justiciable, thereby nullifying the earlier High Court order, the Beke-led faction maintains this does not invalidate their leadership position.

Competing Court Judgments

The statement highlighted that on August 12, 2024, the Rivers State High Court, presided over by Justice S.H. Aprioku in Suit No. PHC/3592/CS/2023, had affirmed the tenure of the Beke-led Executive Committee as the legitimate leadership of the APC in Rivers State until October 21, 2025.

"The judgement did not disturb the validity of the tenure of office of the duly elected Executive Committee of the Party as led by Chief Beke which has been duly recognized and affirmed by the High Court of Rivers State," the statement read in part.

The faction further emphasized that this High Court decision remains in effect as it has not been overturned or set aside by any superior court, making it "a ridiculous misadventure for any other person or group outside the Emeka Beke led Exco to claim to be Leader of the Rivers State Chapter of the APC."

Disputed Congresses

The statement also referenced another case, Suit No: PHC/3859/CS/2024, where claimants who had paid for nomination forms for elective congresses were denied access to the forms. The High Court had granted an ex parte order maintaining the status quo on November 21, 2024.

Despite being served with this court order, the faction led by Tony Okocha allegedly proceeded to conduct ward and state congresses on November 23 and 30, 2024. On December 20, 2024, the High Court ruled in favor of the claimants, nullifying these congresses and awarding N10 million in damages against the defendants for disobedience.

The Beke-led faction has urged all APC members in Rivers State to remain calm and steadfast, reaffirming the party's commitment to democracy and good governance while cautioning individuals claiming leadership outside their executive committee to desist from such claims.

This ongoing leadership tussle highlights the deep divisions within the Rivers State APC, which could potentially impact the party's preparations for future elections if not resolved promptly.