By John Joseph
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The Tony Okocha-led All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has issued a stern warning to party members who use the courts to tarnish the party’s reputation. Okocha, the National Working Committee-backed State Chairman of the APC in Rivers State, disclosed that the party is appealing the recent judgement by Justice Godwin Ogbondah, which invalidated the state congresses held in November 2024.
Okocha emphasized that the party will not tolerate any attempts to embarrass President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or the party through frivolous lawsuits. He stated, “The day I was sworn in, I extended an olive branch to everybody. I said, come, let’s work together. But where it becomes impossible, and they are embarrassing the party, I will not sit idly by while they embarrass Mr. President.”
Background of the Controversy
The controversy surrounding the Rivers State APC congresses began when three aggrieved party members—Okwu Joebrown-Ndike, Peace Oganu, and Samuel Uchegbule—filed a suit alleging that they were excluded from the congress process despite purchasing forms. The court ruled in their favor, invalidating the congresses and prompting Okocha to appeal the decision.
Okocha clarified that the party’s national secretariat had announced the dates for the congresses well in advance, ensuring the process was open to all members interested in contesting for various positions, including the chairmanship. He attributed his unchallenged candidacy to the confidence party members have in his leadership.
Okocha also accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of exploiting the judiciary to create unrest within the APC in Rivers State. He criticized the governor for meddling in APC affairs and urged him to focus instead on re-registering himself as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claiming Fubara is no longer recognized as a PDP member.
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