Rivers: Court affirms orders nullifying APC congresses

The Court of Appeal decision to uphold the nullification of All Progressives Congress congresses in Rivers State keeps the party’s ward, local government, and state-level structures in legal limbo, directly affecting who can claim authority within the state chapter at a time when internal alignments remain contested. The appellate court affirmed a High Court order that set aside the congresses responsible for installing the Tony Okocha-led executive committee. That committee has been described as aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The ruling means the outcomes of those congresses stay invalidated unless further judicial steps alter the position.

Details of the Appellate Decision

The Court of Appeal considered an appeal lodged by Okocha against an earlier ex parte order issued by the High Court. By upholding the lower court’s directive, the appellate bench left the nullification intact. No additional operational details about the congresses or subsequent party activities were altered by the ruling itself.

Immediate Effect on State Party Structures

Because the ward, local government, and state congresses were nullified, the executive committee that emerged from them cannot exercise the functions ordinarily attached to those positions under the party’s constitution. The decision therefore preserves the status that existed immediately after the High Court’s initial order.

Background to the Legal Challenge

The sequence began when the High Court issued an ex parte order nullifying the congresses. Okocha, as a party member affected by that order, exercised the right to appeal. The Court of Appeal’s affirmation closes one stage of the litigation but does not preclude further applications or appeals within the judicial system.

Why the Ruling Matters Now

Court interventions in party congresses can influence which individuals are recognised as legitimate leaders for purposes of party administration and candidate selection processes. In Rivers State the continued nullification leaves the APC chapter without a court-validated executive produced by the disputed congresses, creating uncertainty for any activities that require formal leadership recognition.

Next Steps in the Judicial Process

Parties to the dispute retain the option to pursue additional legal avenues, including possible further appeals or applications for variation of the existing orders. Any future court proceedings would determine whether the current position is modified or reinforced. The outcome of such steps remains subject to judicial determination and the timelines set by the courts.

By Sarah Okafor, Staff Writer