The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has labeled the recent High Court ruling that reinstated the dissolved Rivers State APC Executive Committee as an abuse of court process.
In a press briefing following an extended meeting at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, Deputy National Secretary Festus Fuanter reaffirmed the party’s recognition of the Tony Okocha-led Caretaker Committee as the legitimate leadership of the Rivers State APC. He emphasized that the court judgment in Suit No: PHC 3592 CS. 2023, which targeted the National Chairman Abdulahi Umar Ganduje and Secretary Ajibola Basiru but did not name the party itself, does not bind the APC.
Fuanter pointed out that there is an existing court judgment against Chief Emeka Beke and Iheanyichukwu Azubuike, the former Rivers State APC leaders, which led to the establishment of the caretaker committee. The NWC views the recent ruling as a procedural abuse, noting that an appeal against the original judgment is still pending before the appellate court.
The NWC has scheduled the party’s Caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings for September 11 and 12, respectively, subject to presidential approval.
Regarding speculation about a potential ambassadorial role for National Chairman Ganduje, the NWC dismissed these reports, stating that they are unaware of any such plans and will await further developments.
Fuanter concluded by reiterating the NWC’s stance on recognizing the Okocha-led Caretaker Committee and expressed anticipation for the appellate court’s decision on the ongoing appeal.
