Democracy Day: Rivers APC Honours Fallen Members, Demands Justice In Rivers

The Chief Emeka Bekee-led All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has described its members who lost their lives to political violence as heroes of democracy, while calling for justice for victims and prosecution of those responsible.

The party made the declaration in a statement issued in Port Harcourt to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, saying its members and founding figures were killed during violent political struggles between 2015 and 2023, with families still awaiting justice.

The statement, signed by the party’s publicity secretary, Darlington Nwauju, said the struggle to establish and sustain the APC in Rivers State came at a heavy cost, including what it described as internal divisions allegedly sponsored by political actors.

It urged security agencies to investigate all cases of electoral violence and politically motivated killings in the state and ensure that perpetrators and their sponsors are brought to justice.

“The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State hereby brings Democracy Day greetings to all genuine members of our party who have endured different phases of intimidation, harassment, assault, injuries, economic losses and abuses for choosing to belong to our party,” the statement said.

It added that the June 12 struggle represented a broader fight for civil liberties and democratic freedoms, which must be protected and preserved.

“Regrettably, between 2015 to 2023, we have lost some of our founding members to political violence and their families and loved ones are still waiting to get justice,” the party said, listing names of some deceased members it described as victims of political unrest.

“We consider these fallen members of our great party as true heroes of democracy in Nigeria,” it added.

The APC further alleged that its efforts to build a political structure in Rivers State were undermined by internal conflicts and interference from influential political actors.

It also criticised what it called inconsistent positions by some political actors who previously advocated internal democracy but now, according to the party, support actions that undermine democratic institutions.

The statement accused some stakeholders of disregarding court rulings, warning that continued non-compliance with judicial decisions could further weaken the party’s prospects in the state.

It also faulted the national leadership of the APC for allegedly failing to address internal disputes and enforcement of court judgments, describing the situation as a threat to party cohesion.

“We use this medium to render unreserved apologies for not fighting enough to give justice to the families of our fallen members and heroes of democracy in Rivers State,” the statement added.

The party called on the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure proper investigation of politically motivated violence in the state.

It also drew the attention of foreign diplomatic missions to what it described as persistent political intolerance and unresolved cases of violence in Rivers State.

“We demand thorough investigations and prosecution of all sponsors of electoral violence and politically motivated killings in Rivers State,” it said.

The APC urged its members to remain calm and steadfast, warning against abandoning the party despite ongoing challenges.

It further alleged that some members were being targeted due to their political stance, describing the situation as part of broader tensions within the party in the state.

“Nigerians are already aware of the history of numerous unresolved politically related abductions, kidnappings and eliminations in Rivers State since 2015,” the statement said.