The Chief Emeka Beke-led All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) asserting that the Federal High Court’s judgement cannot halt the local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024. In a letter addressed to the INEC Chairman, Beke dismissed the court ruling, stating it was based on a suit filed by Chief Tony Okocha, whom he described as an impostor and unknown member of the party.
Beke explained that the Rivers State Executive Committee, duly elected and led by him, remains the legitimate leadership of the APC, validated by a judgement from the High Court of Rivers State. The court had nullified Okocha’s claim to party leadership and established the legitimacy of the current executive until 2025.
“We are aware that the Federal High Court per Hon. Justice Peter Lifu delivered a judgement in Suit No. PHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024,” Beke said, but maintained that Okocha lacks any authority to represent the APC Rivers Chapter.
He further emphasized that a prior judgement on September 4, 2024, from the High Court of Rivers State instructed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to proceed with the election, and this ruling supersedes the Federal High Court’s order. Beke reiterated that only the Rivers State APC Executive Committee, led by him, has the authority to decide the party’s participation in the upcoming local government elections.
The APC Rivers Chapter confirmed that they had submitted the names of their candidates and fully support the elections proceeding on October 5.
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