APC National Leadership Reaffirms Chief Tony Okocha as Rivers State Party Chairman, Rejects Beke’s Claim.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially reaffirmed the position of Chief Tony Okocha as the legitimate Chairman of the party’s Rivers State chapter. This reaffirmation comes in the wake of recent controversy sparked by a counterclaim to the chairmanship by Mr. Emeka Beke.
Reaffirmation of Tony Okocha as Chairman
In a formal statement issued on Saturday from Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC leadership categorically rejected Beke’s claim and reiterated that Chief Tony Okocha remains the duly recognized state chairman. The statement was released in direct response to comments made by Mr. Beke during a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, where he had asserted himself as the authentic leader of the APC in Rivers State.
Felix Morka emphasized that the party viewed Beke’s declaration as both unsubstantiated and misleading. He urged all party members, supporters, and the wider public to disregard any media reports or narratives suggesting that Beke currently holds the leadership position in the Rivers State APC. According to the party, no such change in leadership has occurred, and Chief Tony Okocha’s authority as chairman remains fully intact and supported by the national party hierarchy.
“The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to several media reports and public statements in which Mr. Emeka Beke has claimed to be the Chairman of our Rivers State chapter,” the statement read. “We wish to put the record straight and inform our party faithful, stakeholders, and the general public that Chief Tony Okocha is, and continues to be, the officially recognized Chairman of the APC in Rivers State.”
Rumours of Tony Okocha’s Leadership Cleared
The party went on to warn against the dissemination of what it called “false and potentially disruptive information” which, it said, could create confusion within the party ranks and among the electorate. It added that such actions undermine party unity and discipline, and would not be tolerated.
“We strongly advise our numerous members in Rivers State and the public at large to treat any reports or suggestions that refer to Mr. Beke as Chairman with the contempt they deserve. These reports are inaccurate, unfounded, and intended to mislead,” Morka added.
While the party did not detail any potential disciplinary measures against Mr. Beke for his claim, the tone of the statement signaled the party’s intention to maintain internal order and protect its institutional integrity. The reaffirmation of Chief Tony Okocha’s leadership is also viewed by political analysts as a move to consolidate the APC’s structure in Rivers State ahead of future elections, amid ongoing power dynamics in the state’s political landscape.
The APC concluded its statement by calling on members at all levels to remain focused, law-abiding, and committed to the ideals of the party, stressing that unity and cohesion are vital as the party continues its governance and electoral missions across the country.
