APP hails Appeal Court ruling on Rivers LG election dispute

The Rivers State chapter of the Action Peoples Party (APP) has praised the Court of Appeal in Abuja for overturning a Federal High Court judgment that barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing the Voter Register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RISEC).

The initial decision by Justice Peter Lifu had jeopardized the legitimacy of the October 5, 2024, local government elections in Rivers State.

In a statement released in Port Harcourt on Thursday, APP State Chairman, Hon. Sunny Wokekoro, expressed delight over the appellate court’s decision, stating it had restored public confidence in the judiciary, which had been shaken by the earlier ruling.

Wokekoro emphasized that the Court of Appeal’s judgment affirmed the legality of the elections conducted by RISEC, which saw APP claim victory across local government areas. He noted that the decision clears the way for the elected chairmen and councillors to focus on governance and delivering on campaign promises.

“We are delighted by the judgment of the Appeal Court. You may recall that when Justice Lifu gave his judgment, we strongly condemned it, as we believed his decision lacked merit,” Wokekoro stated.

He further added, “This judgment has cemented our victory and validated the election process as devoid of illegality. With this ruling, our elected officials can now concentrate on providing good governance to the people of Rivers State.”

The APP chairman also expressed gratitude to the people of Rivers State for their patience during the legal dispute. He reassured them of the party’s commitment to fulfilling its promises through the efforts of its elected officials.