Rivers APC Crisis: Court Nullifies Congresses, Raises Democratic Concerns

DDM News

The ongoing crisis within the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) took a significant turn as the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt ruled to annul the Local Government and State Congresses organized by the Tony Okocha-led faction.

The court’s ruling was based on the fact that the congresses violated an existing court order, further deepening the rift within the party and raising serious concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria.

The congresses, which were carried out under contentious circumstances, led to the selection of new executives who were inaugurated on December 14 by the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.

However, the legitimacy of the process has been called into question by party members who have alleged that they were deliberately excluded from the congresses despite fulfilling the required financial obligations.

According to information obtained by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) these accusations of exclusion highlight a significant lack of transparency, fairness, and inclusivity within the party’s internal processes.

The current crisis in Rivers APC reflects a much broader issue within Nigerian political parties, where internal democracy is often sidelined, and party leadership structures are manipulated to favor certain factions.

The decision of the Okocha-led faction to disregard a court order sets a troubling precedent, undermining the authority of the judiciary and raising questions about the commitment of political actors to respect the rule of law.

When political parties act in defiance of judicial orders, they not only weaken the judiciary but also erode public confidence in democratic processes.

Additionally, the exclusionary practices within the APC have far-reaching consequences for the credibility of political parties and the overall health of Nigeria’s democracy.

Political parties must function as inclusive institutions that allow for fair participation by all members, particularly when making critical decisions such as electing party executives.

Without this, parties risk alienating their members, leading to disenchantment and a lack of faith in the political system.

This situation is further compounded by the perception that the party is driven by a few powerful individuals who manipulate internal processes for their benefit.

The situation unfolding in Rivers APC is a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform within Nigeria’s political system.

For democracy to thrive, political parties must prioritize the rule of law, foster inclusivity, and ensure fairness in all their internal operations.

This crisis serves as a wake-up call for political leaders, emphasizing that the health of democracy depends on the accountability, transparency, and integrity of its political actors.

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