The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, led by Chairman Chief Emeka Beke, has announced plans to sanction 27 lawmakers from the state House of Assembly who recently denied their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Beke, an ally of former Minister Rotimi Amaechi, called their denial “shameful” and asserted that the lawmakers cannot escape the fact of their previous defection.
Beke’s comments came during a press conference in Port Harcourt, where he responded to remarks made by Martin Amaewhule, who claimed he and his colleagues remained PDP members despite announcing their switch to the APC amidst political tensions involving former Governor Nyesom Wike and current Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Following their defection, pro-Fubara lawmakers initiated legal action to declare the seats of the pro-Wike faction vacant. Although a recent suit from the Action Peoples Party was dismissed as statute-barred, the pro-Wike lawmakers subsequently denied their defection.
Beke emphasized that the lawmakers were celebrated during their transition to the APC, referencing a welcome event hosted by Tony Okocha, who had claimed leadership of the Rivers State APC. He stated, “They cannot sheepishly make a U-turn and yet be celebrated by the same Tony Okocha whom they are now denying.”
The APC chairman indicated that disciplinary measures would be taken after the local government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024. He confirmed that all APC candidates have been screened and cleared by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
Beke reassured party members of their full participation in the upcoming elections and noted that a court ruling affirming his position as the legitimate APC chairman remains intact. He also praised Governor Fubara for fostering a fair political environment, allowing voters to choose their preferred local leaders.
