Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
The Action Peoples Party (APP) faces a critical legal showdown as the Federal High Court in Abuja has been petitioned to overturn its sweeping victories in the October 5 local government elections in Rivers State. The suit, filed by Juboye Abraham through his lawyer, Ukpai Ukairo, alleges constitutional breaches and demands the nullification of all APP candidates’ victories.
Marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1464/2024, the case names the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), APP, and 23 elected chairpersons as defendants. The crux of the case lies in Section 225(A) of the 1999 Constitution, which the plaintiff claims invalidates APP’s registration as a political party. Mr. Abraham also seeks an order compelling INEC to deregister the party and bar its participation in future elections.
Truth Live News gathered that Justice Binta Nyako, presiding over the case, adjourned the hearing to February 5, 2025, after confirming service to all parties. APP’s counsel, Obed Agu, acknowledged the suit but has yet to file a formal response.
The October 5 elections were marred by controversy. Security forces withdrew amidst conflicting court orders, while RSIEC Chairperson Adolfus Enebeli insisted the polls were valid, citing rulings from the Supreme Court and Rivers High Court. However, the elections faced a significant boycott from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), paving the way for APP—backed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s allies—to dominate, securing 22 out of 23 chairmanship seats.
This legal battle is yet another twist in the unrelenting feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. What began as a quiet power struggle has evolved into a high-stakes political showdown, with local elections now the latest battleground. Wike’s influence, once unchallenged, faces resistance from Fubara, who has thrown his weight behind the APP as a counterforce.
With the APP’s dominance hanging in the balance and the court’s verdict months away, Rivers State remains gripped by a political tug-of-war. Whether the APP retains its foothold or falls victim to constitutional scrutiny, one thing is clear: the Wike-Fubara saga is far from over.