A fresh twist has emerged in the leadership crisis within the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following a Court of Appeal ruling that both rival factions are now interpreting in conflicting terms to support their respective claims to party leadership.
On Friday, the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt ruled on a suit filed by the APC’s National Executive Committee, overturning a High Court injunction that had barred the party from conducting congresses in the state. The appellate court held that internal party leadership matters are non-justiciable, effectively nullifying the earlier order and striking out the case brought by Peter Ohochukwu on behalf of the dissolved state executive led by Emeka Beke.
The faction loyal to Chief Tony Okocha hailed the decision as a legal endorsement of its control of the party. Publicity Secretary Chibike Ikenga said the judgment reaffirmed Okocha’s position as Rivers APC chairman.
However, the Emeka Beke-led faction countered the claim, describing it as a misinterpretation of the court’s decision. Its spokesman, Darlington Nwauju, stressed that the ruling addressed only an interlocutory appeal and did not overturn the substantive High Court judgment delivered by Justice Sika Aprioku on August 12, 2024. That judgment had affirmed the legitimacy of the Beke-led executive until October 21, 2025.
The conflicting interpretations have further deepened divisions within the party, with no clear resolution in sight.
