The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the leadership of Emeka Beke, has publicly declared its support for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024. The party has expressed its intention to participate in the elections, having submitted the names of its candidates for various positions. This declaration was formally communicated in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and sent from Port Harcourt. The context for this support is rooted in recent legal disputes concerning the party’s leadership and the legitimacy of the electoral processes within the state.
In a detailed statement, the APC Rivers State leadership referenced ongoing legal proceedings involving a faction led by Chief Tony Okocha, a move seen as an attempt to displace the elected executive committee under Emeka Beke. The party outlined two significant court cases, one in which Justice S. H. Aprioku ruled in favor of the Beke-led committee, affirming its validity until 2025 and declaring the caretaker committee led by Okocha as illegitimate. This court ruling positioned the Beke committee as the recognized leadership of the party in the state, thereby solidifying their authority to make decisions related to electoral participation.
The statement also highlighted an important recent judgment from a different courtroom, presided over by Justice I. P. C. Igwe, affirming the requirement for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission to hold the local government elections as scheduled. The Beke-led APC emphasized that this ruling not only legitimized their call for elections but that it also superseded another judgment from the Federal High Court, reinforcing their claim that the scheduled local government elections must proceed without interruption from conflicting judicial decisions.
The APC further clarified its stance regarding Tony Okocha, branding him as an impostor with no legitimate ties to the party. They emphasized that he neither possesses the authority nor the backing of the elected leadership to engage in legal proceedings that contest the party’s decisions. This assertion served to reiterate unity within the party ranks and clarify their operational priorities as they prepare for the elections.
Additionally, the statement elaborated on the constitutional framework guiding the APC, stating that decisions regarding local government elections reside exclusively within the authority of the State Executive Committee. The leadership underscored the supremacy of the Supreme Court’s previous ruling mandating the state to conduct local government elections, indicating that lower court decisions cannot undermine this directive. By referencing established legal principles, they sought to bolster their position as a legitimate and law-abiding organization ready to exercise its democratic rights.
In conclusion, the APC Rivers State firmly stands by its support for the local government elections planned for October 5, 2024, asserting that it has taken all necessary steps to be an active participant by fielding candidates. The leadership implored the public and relevant institutions to recognize their stance and urged dismissal of any contrary narratives from Okocha and his supporters. This initiative echoes the party’s broader agenda, which aims to reinforce its relevance in Rivers State politics while promoting adherence to democratic processes and legal frameworks.
