Rivers State High Court Nullifies APC Local Government and State Congresses
A Rivers State High Court has delivered a significant ruling that nullifies the recent local government and state congresses conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) on November 23 and 30, 2024. The judgment was handed down by Justice Godwin Ollor, stemming from a lawsuit filed by plaintiffs Okwu Joebrown Ndike, Peace Oganu, and Samuel Uchegbue.
The plaintiffs had contested their exclusion from the congresses and sought legal redress, prompting the court’s intervention. Justice Ollor criticized the APC for proceeding with the congresses despite a prior court order to maintain the status quo in the matter, labeling the party’s actions as an attempt to “steal a match” from the claimants.
In addition to annulling the congresses, the court has imposed a monetary award of ten million naira against the APC and its national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje. The court has also ordered a stay on further proceedings related to the case, adjourning the matter indefinitely.
This ruling raises significant questions regarding the conduct of the APC and the implications for its leadership structure within Rivers State. The judiciary will continue to monitor developments following this landmark decision.