The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing escalating internal divisions as factions loyal to former Governor Rotimi Amaechi and those aligned with former caretaker committee chairman Chief Tony Okocha continue to clash ahead of the upcoming local government elections.
During a press briefing at the APC Secretariat along Aba Road in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Okocha, a close ally of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, challenged the legitimacy of the upcoming council polls.
He criticized Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for moving forward with the election despite court orders that stipulated a 90-day preparation period for all political parties.
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“The governor and whatever action taken are illegal; we will stand with the law and will not allow him to perpetuate illegality,” Okocha declared, emphasizing his faction’s commitment to challenging the election in court.
In contrast, Chief Emeke Beke, the reinstated APC state chairman and an ally of Amaechi, dismissed Okocha’s claims and affirmed that the APC under his leadership is fully prepared for the local elections.
At a gathering at the party’s secretariat on Woji Road in Port Harcourt, Beke handed over flags to candidates, underscoring the party’s determination to participate in Saturday’s elections.
“We, the APC under my leadership, will participate in this Saturday’s election,” Beke stated, pushing back against assertions that the party would boycott the polls.
Beke also called on security forces to ensure a peaceful electoral process, referencing the violence that had plagued the state under previous administrations.
“Rivers State was a theatre of war during the former administration. Now we have a governor who has the fear of God and wants to conduct free, fair, and credible elections,” Beke said. He warned that anyone attempting to disrupt the elections would face consequences from law enforcement.
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Addressing legal concerns raised by Okocha, Beke insisted that there was no court ruling stopping the election.
He cited a state High Court judgment that took precedence over the Federal High Court ruling, asserting that both courts hold equal jurisdiction. “There is no tension anywhere,” he stated, dismissing rumors of potential electoral conflict.
The internal strife within the Rivers APC has reignited questions about Amaechi’s role in the party.
When asked about Amaechi’s influence, Beke confirmed the former governor’s continued importance in the party’s leadership, saying, “There is no way you will talk about the politics of Rivers State with the APC without Amaechi. With this election, we are proving that Amaechi is still strong and remains a key member of the APC.”
The clash between the factions led by Okocha and Beke underscores deeper tensions within the Rivers APC, as both sides navigate internal disputes while preparing for the local elections.