The Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt has affirmed a Rivers State High Court judgment that nullified the congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, effectively sacking the executive council led by Tony Okocha. Okocha and his dissolved executive are known allies of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
Background of the Dispute
The legal battle stems from a December 20, 2024 ruling by Justice Obomanu of the Rivers State High Court, which declared the APC congresses in the state invalid. The court consequently nullified the leadership structure that emerged from those congresses.
Following that decision, Okocha and his executive council appealed the judgment. Delivering judgment on Friday, May 29, Justice Elfreida Oluwayemisi Williams-Dawodu of the Port Harcourt Division of the Court of Appeal affirmed the High Court's decision, effectively upholding the nullification of the congresses.
Implications of the Ruling
The ruling means that actions, decisions, and representations made by the Okocha-led executive on behalf of the APC since December 20, 2024, could be regarded as null and void. It also raises concerns over the status of candidates produced by the party for future elections in the state.
Reaction from Rivers APC Leadership
Reacting to the judgment, the Rivers APC leadership insisted that the ruling does not threaten the status of the executive council pending a full trial of the substantive matter. State APC Publicity Secretary Chibike Ikenga said the Court of Appeal only determined an interlocutory appeal and returned the case to the lower court for further proceedings.
“The Leadership of the All Progressives Congress, Rivers State are aware of the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt dated Friday, 29th May, 2026 in an Interlocutory Appeal and Matter sent back to the Court of first instance for full trial,” he said.
“There is no threat to the status of the EXCO pending full trial. Our Lawyers will study the full judgment and advise on the next step. We advise party faithful to remain calm and not panic by the deliberate misrepresentation of the facts and circumstances of the judgement by those who lack in-depth knowledge of what transpired in the Court.”
The case is expected to return to the trial court for further proceedings as the legal battle over the leadership of the Rivers APC continues.
