Port Harcourt, Rivers State – The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed strong opposition to a recent court ruling by the Rivers State High Court, which invalidated the removal of the Tony Okocha-led caretaker committee. The APC argues that the court lacks jurisdiction over the matter.

On Monday, Justice Sika Aprioku of the Rivers State High Court nullified the dissolution of the Emeka Beke-led APC executive in Rivers State. The ruling deemed that the APC National Working Committee exceeded its authority by dissolving an elected state executive and establishing a caretaker committee during the tenure of the elected body.

In response, the court barred Tony Okocha and members of the caretaker committee from acting as APC executives in Rivers State. However, the caretaker committee has rejected the ruling, asserting that it contradicts an earlier Supreme Court decision and is therefore invalid.

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday, Chibuike Ikenga, Spokesman for the Rivers APC Caretaker Committee, described the judgment as futile. Ikenga claimed that the ruling was influenced by political motivations and alleged that the judge was swayed by pressures from the Rivers State government and opposition factions.

Ikenga stated, “The Supreme Court has already addressed similar issues regarding internal party matters. This judgment appears to be a coordinated attempt by those opposing President Bola Tinubu and his administration.”

He confirmed that the caretaker committee plans to appeal the decision, emphasizing their belief in their legal standing and the party’s mandate. “Our party has empowered us to continue our duties. The court’s decision cannot override our authority, especially given the allegations of anti-party activities that led to the initial dissolution.”

This ongoing legal and political dispute highlights the tensions within the APC and the broader political landscape in Nigeria as the party navigates internal conflicts and external pressures.