JUST-IN: Court annuls Tony Okocha-led APC congresses in Rivers

• Earlier, the APC chairman urged the new executive members to work in unity, expand the party’s membership, and ensure internal democracy.
• Recall that Ganduje also tasked them on grassroots mobilisation, and effective conflict resolution.

The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has voided the Local Government and State Congresses held by the Tony Okocha-led All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State.

The Rivers APC, led by Okocha, conducted these congresses despite a prior court order prohibiting them.

New executives from the congresses were inaugurated on December 14 by APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.

A lawsuit challenging the congresses was filed by some APC members, alleging exclusion from the process despite making required payments.

Justice Godswill Obomanu, after hearing the arguments from both sides, declared the congresses null and void.

Recall that at the congress, Ganduje said the APC is gradually making gains in a zone traditionally controlled by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He cited the party’s successes in Cross River state during Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency and Edo state under President Bola Tinubu as signs of progress.