A Rivers State High Court has stopped the All Progressives Congress (APC) from holding its elective congresses in the state.
The court order also restrains APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, from organizing any congresses in Rivers without including the claimants in the suit.
Justice G.V. Obomanu, who presided over the case, issued an interim injunction barring the APC from conducting congresses for local government or state executives.
The order, which affects the congresses scheduled for November 23 and 30, 2024, will remain in effect until the case is resolved.
The lawsuit was filed by Okwu Joebrown-Ndike, Peace Oganu, and Samuel Uchegbule, who are members of the Rivers State APC.
They claim that despite paying for nomination forms, they were unfairly denied access to them.
The three plaintiffs, who are vying for positions in the congresses, said the denial left them no choice but to take legal action.
“This is not just about us,” one of the claimants, Joebrown-Ndike, said.
“It’s about ensuring fairness and transparency in the process. We will not allow our rights to be trampled upon.”
The interim injunction specifically bars APC from recognizing any winners from the ward congresses held on November 16, 2024.
Justice Obomanu emphasized that no further steps should be taken regarding the planned congresses until the motion on notice is heard.
The judge adjourned the case to December 3, 2024, for further proceedings.
This legal battle is a significant setback for the APC in Rivers State.
Political analysts believe the dispute could deepen internal divisions within the party, particularly as the claimants allege exclusion from the process.
The congresses were seen as an opportunity to consolidate party structures in Rivers, especially with the backing of former Governor Nyesom Wike, a controversial figure in the state’s political landscape.
Wike, now a prominent member of the APC, has been accused of wielding influence over the party’s affairs in Rivers.
Some party members have expressed frustration over what they see as a lack of inclusiveness in the congress planning process.
“This party belongs to all of us, not just a select few,” a Rivers APC member said.
“We need a process that respects everyone’s rights, not one driven by personal interests.”
Rivers State has long been a battleground for political disputes, with the APC frequently finding itself in internal wrangling.
In past elections, disagreements over candidate selection and party structure have weakened the party’s ability to challenge the opposition.
Observers say this latest court action could further destabilize the Rivers APC as it prepares for future electoral contests
Many APC members in Rivers are now calling for fairness in the handling of the congresses.
They argue that transparency and inclusiveness are essential to rebuilding trust within the party.
“Without justice, there can be no unity,” one party member remarked.
“The leadership must ensure that everyone is given a fair chance to participate.”
The adjournment of the case to December 3, 2024, gives both sides time to prepare their arguments, but the outcome remains uncertain.