The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has issued an ex parte order directing the All Progressives Congress (APC) to maintain the status quo in its ongoing congresses in the state.
The order was granted after the party concluded its ward congress and was preparing for the local government and state congresses.
The directive followed a suit filed by three party members—Okwudili Ndike, Peace Oganu, and Samuel Uchegbule—who alleged they were denied nomination forms despite making the required payments.
In their suit, the plaintiffs named the APC and its National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, as the first and second defendants. They sought an interim injunction to prevent the party and its agents from organizing further congresses. Additionally, they requested the court to restrain the APC from accepting or inaugurating the outcomes of the ward congresses.
Presiding over the case, Justice G.V. Obomanu ordered all parties to maintain the status quo until the determination of the suit. The matter was adjourned to December 3 for further proceedings.
This development introduces a legal hurdle for the APC as it progresses with its congresses in Rivers State. The plaintiffs argue that the process has been marred by procedural irregularities, raising questions about internal democracy within the party.
