Sir Tony Okocha, the Caretaker Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has claimed that a coordinated effort is underway to take control of the party in Rivers and subordinate it to the state government, aiming to obstruct President Bola Tinubu’s bid for reelection in 2027.
This statement follows a recent ruling by a Rivers State High Court that ousted Okocha’s caretaker committee and reinstated Emeka Beke as chairman. However, the APC National Working Committee (NWC) has declared that Okocha’s committee remains the officially recognized body in the state.
Okocha addressed journalists in Abuja, arguing that Beke and Barrister Iheanyichukwu Dike had been suspended from the State Working Committee (SWC) due to allegations of anti-party activities. He criticized the court’s decision, stating that the APC was not a party to the suit and that only the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, was listed. Okocha contends that the court’s orders regarding parties not involved in the suit were erroneous.
He elaborated on the background, claiming Beke was imposed on the APC by former APC leader Rotimi Amaechi, describing him as a product of “ineptitude, political high-handedness, and imposition.” Okocha highlighted Beke’s involvement in supporting Amaechi during the presidential primaries and criticized him for aligning with opposition forces and working against President Tinubu.
Okocha accused Amaechi of undermining the party’s unity and expressed determination to prevent a return to a “social club” status for the APC in Rivers. He emphasized that his faction would continue its activities, including a solidarity rally for President Tinubu, despite the court ruling.
The Caretaker Chairman asserted that his faction is prepared to pursue legal avenues, including an appeal and potentially reaching the Supreme Court, to overturn the court’s decision. He reinforced the stance that internal party matters, such as selecting party leadership, should remain within the party’s jurisdiction and not be subject to judicial intervention.