The crisis rocking the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) took a new dimension with the court-backed Emeka Beke’s faction questioning the leadership style of the National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, in handling internal conflicts.
 
At the heart of the crisis are allegations of collaboration and imposition, which have led to a series of court cases and controversies. During a press briefing yesterday, the party accused Ganduje of adopting a dictatorial leadership style, emboldening Tony Okocha’s group, which they described as political hustlers in Rivers State, to disregard court orders.
 
According to the party spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, the National Chairman’s decision to inaugurate an executive committee in Rivers State despite a court order restraining him from doing so indicates his disregard for the rule of law.
 
Nwauju, who addressed the media, expressed concern over the National Chairman’s alleged attempt to rewrite the party’s history in the state, particularly regarding the 2015, 2019, and 2023 elections.
 
Nwauju accused Ganduje of trying to delete the memories of APC supporters who lost their lives during the elections and to ensure that justice is not served on the sponsors and perpetrators of the violence. He said: “Abdullahi Ganduje, who promised internal democracy for the party on August 3, 2023, after his ratification by NEC, has managed the Rivers State chapter exactly like a workman quarrelling with his tools.
 
Nwauju described the National Chairman’s actions as undemocratic, despotic, and unconstitutional, adding that they have emboldened opposition parties to demarket the APC and discouraged investors in Nigeria.

MEANWHILE, to reposition the party in Rivers State, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has inaugurated a five-man Caretaker Committee (CTC) to pilot the party’s affairs for the next eight months.
 
The inauguration ceremony, held in Port Harcourt, saw Nature Dumale Kieghe sworn in as the Acting State Chairman of PRP, while Synchro Uchendu was chosen as Secretary. 
 
Other members include Anukwu Chinonye Josiah (Organising Secretary), Nwaigwe Darlington (Youth Leader), and Mary Aghuwah (Women Leader). The National Legal Adviser of the party, Juliet Anyata, who performed the swearing-in ceremony, described the event as historic. She urged the new executive to uphold the principles of the party and prioritise its interests. 
 
Anyata also tasked the committee to focus on reconciling and winning back members who had left the party, as well as rebuilding a strong party that could win elections in the state.