Concern is mounting within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State following a recent Court of Appeal judgment in Port Harcourt, which some party stakeholders fear could jeopardise the party’s participation in the 2027 general elections.
The concerns arise from interpretations of the ruling, which party members say may invalidate several activities carried out under the leadership of former state chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, including membership registration exercises, local government election processes, and party primaries.
Political observers recall that the APC was unable to field a governorship candidate in Rivers State during the 2019 elections due to protracted internal legal disputes.
Speaking on the development, APC chieftain Barr. Sogbeye Eli said court judgments remain binding unless overturned by the Supreme Court, warning that the implications of the ruling could have serious consequences for the party.
“Whatever the court says is binding until it is set aside by the Supreme Court,” Eli stated.
He argued that activities conducted under the Okocha-led executive could now be affected by the judgment.
“Those activities are now null and void. This is a dangerous moment for the APC in Rivers State. The party may be unable to field candidates if the situation is not resolved quickly,” he said.
Eli further cautioned that any delay in challenging the judgment at the Supreme Court could hinder the party’s ability to comply with timelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Also reacting to the judgment, former APC chieftain Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze said the ruling validated concerns that had long been raised about the legality of certain party structures in the state.
According to him, some party leaders ignored warnings about alleged irregularities within the party.
“The Appeal Court judgment has confirmed what we have been saying. They needed a platform to continue their activities, but the law is catching up with them,” Eze said.
He added that the ruling could significantly alter political alignments in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections and potentially weaken some political blocs.
Drawing parallels with previous electoral disputes in the state, Eze warned that similar legal complications could once again affect the APC’s electoral fortunes.
Commenting on the fate of aspirants loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara who were reportedly disqualified during the party primaries, Barr. Eli maintained that they were equally affected by the judgment, having participated in processes conducted under the disputed party leadership.
The stakeholders stressed that unless urgent legal and political measures are taken, the APC’s chances of participating effectively in the 2027 elections in Rivers State could be seriously undermined.
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