Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and close associate of former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, has issued a stern warning to the Rivers State chapter of the party. He urged Chief Tony Okocha, the caretaker committee chairman, to desist from making disparaging remarks about former Governor Amaechi.
This statement comes in response to comments attributed to Okocha, who allegedly claimed there were plans to position Amaechi’s allies in the APC leadership to challenge President Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Okocha was quoted as saying, “There is an intention to promote Amaechi’s man, and then he [Amaechi] will become the APC leader and use the party to fight Mr. President in 2027. We will never allow that.” He also criticized Emeka Beke, the Rivers APC Chairman, for referring to Amaechi as the leader of the party in Rivers State and the South-South region, accusing Amaechi of working against Tinubu during the last presidential election.
Chief Eze, in his response on Sunday, condemned the alleged efforts to tarnish Amaechi’s reputation through smear campaigns and defamatory remarks, aiming to diminish his standing among Nigerians. He refuted Okocha’s claims, asserting that Amaechi has no intention of engaging in political power struggles and has never sought to undermine the President.
Eze further warned that the current administration’s shortcomings, including administrative failures, policy inconsistencies, and widespread corruption, have exacerbated issues such as unemployment, insecurity, and rising food prices. He suggested that these factors could lead to a popular revolt against Tinubu in 2027, rather than any actions by Amaechi.
Highlighting Amaechi’s significant role in the formation of the APC, Eze pointed out that while Tinubu was made the National Leader of the party, Amaechi was recognized as the leader of the South-South region. Despite Buhari’s presidency, Tinubu retained his position as National Leader, underscoring the importance of regional leadership within the party.
Eze also referenced a recent judgment by Justice Sika H. Aprioku of the State High Court in Port Harcourt, which he described as comprehensive and unlikely to be overturned on appeal. The judgment ruled that the appointment of Tony Okocha and his collaborators by APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje was in violation of the party’s constitution. The court found that the removal of democratically elected party officials without due process was unlawful and a breach of their right to a fair hearing.
Eze concluded by emphasizing that this ruling solidifies Amaechi’s position within the party and cautioned against further internal conflicts, which could weaken the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
