RISIEC Validates Okocha-Led APC Candidates, Rejects Beke Faction for Rivers LG Poll
RISIEC Recognizes Only Okocha-Led APC List for Rivers LG Poll
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISIEC) has officially recognized only the candidate list submitted by the Tony Okocha-led faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the upcoming local government elections scheduled for August 30. Prof. Chidi Holiday, RISIEC’s Commissioner for Administration and Legal Matters, confirmed this development during a discussion with civil society organizations in Port Harcourt.
Holiday explained that RISIEC received two competing lists: one from Okocha’s faction and another from the Emeka Beke-led APC. However, the Beke faction’s list was submitted outside the acceptable timeframe as stipulated by the electoral body. As a result, RISIEC deemed it ineligible for formal recognition. The commission did, however, accept the Beke faction’s submission solely for record purposes.
According to Prof. Holiday, RISIEC relies on the Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for official records of political party leadership. He emphasized that RISIEC has no jurisdiction to resolve internal party disputes and must operate based on legally recognized party structures. “INEC is the body that registered political parties and maintains executive records,” he stated. “Not even the court will impose an executive on any political party… our engagement is limited to what INEC records affirm.”
The Beke faction, however, disagreed vehemently. Their spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, asserted that their list was submitted on time and criticized RISIEC’s decision. Nwauju warned that any candidate names published without the endorsement of Chief Emeka Beke and the faction’s State Secretary, Sam Etetegwung, would invite legal action.
This move by RISIEC intensifies the legal and political battle between the Okocha and Beke factions over the APC leadership in Rivers State. The ongoing tussle has already raised concerns about internal party cohesion, transparency, and credibility in the electoral process, especially as the scheduled polls approach.
Supporters of Okocha welcomed the development, pointing to the importance of adherence to deadlines and clarity in electoral compliance. Meanwhile, followers of Beke argue that procedural fairness must go hand in hand with timely filing, and that internal party litigation should not determine election participation.
As the August 30 election nears, the real test will involve the free, fair, and credible conduct of the polls amidst Rivers State’s emergency rule and continued factional disputes within the APC. RISIEC’s position in recognizing only Okocha’s list could significantly influence grassroots political representation and voter confidence in the process.
