By Ovie Okpare
The Delta State Executive Committee (SEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the national leadership of the party to immediately suspend the state chairman of the party, Elder Omeni Sobotie, on alleged cases of gross misconduct including romancing with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
This is even as SEC has passed a vote of confidence on the national publicity secretary of the APC, Mr. Felix Morka, noting that the recent allegations as well as the call for the removal of the national spokesman of the party over abuse of office by the embattled chairman of Delta APC, Sobotie, as baseless and unfounded.
The party, while condemning the allegations the national publicity secretary, said the petition against Morka by Sobotie does not have the blessings and was never discussed at the meeting of the State Executive Committee.
The SEC petition addressed to the national chairman of APC and former governor of Kano, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, accused the party chairman of violating relevant provisions of the APC constitution including fraternizing with the ruling PDP in the state to distabilise the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The petition against Sobotie was signed by the State Deputy Chairman of Delta APC, Chief (Barr.) Francis Obigbor and State Secretary, Surveyor Peter Akarogbe, on behalf of the State Executive Committee members which comprised current and former elected officials and 25 council executives of the party.
According to it, “We, the majority members of the State Executive Committee (SEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta State Chapter, hereunder named, write to express our utmost dismay and condemnation of the action of the State Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, in bringing the above-referenced petition. Further, we wish to state as follows:
“The petition was authored unilaterally by Sobotie without reference to, and without the approval of, the State Executive Committee (SEC), on whose behalf he claims to have submitted the disturbing and dishonorable petition dated 17/03/2025, demanding the removal of the National Publicity Secretary (NPS), Barr. Felix Morka, from office.
“The petition is grossly misconceived, petty, reckless, and disclosed no reasonable or justifiable basis to call for the removal of the NPS from office. It shows that Sobotie lacks understanding of the limits of his authority as state chairman and the requisite constitutional process for the discipline of officers of the respective organs of the Party, particularly the National Working Committee (NWC).
“It is disheartening that Sobotie would seek to smear Barr. Morka, a fine and highly distinguished Deltan who is serving the nation so admirably, with these contrived and baseless allegations. As the state chapter, we take immense pride in his accomplishments and unreservedly support his continued service as NPS.
“We categorically condemn and dissociate ourselves from the petition. The allegations are baseless and constitute a blatant attempt to silence a courageous voice in defense of the Party and President Bola Tinubu’s administration. We fear that Sobotie has been commissioned by external political interests to undermine the effectiveness of the office of NPS.
“We wish to express full faith and confidence in Barr. Morka’s leadership, service, and impeccable commitment to our party’s ideals. Morka has acted and continues to act with extreme decorum and professionalism in the discharge of the functions of his office.”
The SEC, while urging the National Executive Committee to dismiss the petition against Morka, asserted that the action of its chairman violated section 21.2v of the APC constitution and demanded for his immediate removal to save the integrity of the party in the state.
“We urge the NWC to discountenance the petition as frivolous and reckless and dismiss it in its entirety. Sobotie’s actions are a clear violation of Section 21.2v of the party’s constitution, which explicitly prohibits members from providing false information to any party organ and engaging in unauthorized publicity of party disputes without exhausting all internal avenues for settlement or redress. This blatant disregard for party procedures and protocols is unacceptable and warrants immediate suspension.
“By releasing the petition to the public, Sobotie has not only violated the constitution but also undermined the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms. This behavior is unbecoming of a party leader and demonstrates a lack of commitment to upholding the party’s principles and procedures. We urge the party leadership to take immediate action to address this violation and ensure that Sobotie is held accountable for his actions.
“We would also like to use this medium to bring to the attention of the NWC that Sobotie’s leadership as state chairman has been an unmitigated disaster. He has consistently proved incapable of discharging the functions of his office. He has been absent without explanation for prolonged periods, foisting a vacuum of leadership that has enabled impostors and unauthorized elements to undermine the party’s institutional integrity and effective functioning.
“Since his emergence as chairman, Sobotie has failed to convene any meetings of the SEC and failed to convene regular meetings of the SWC. Sobotie has continued to operate in a dictatorial fashion, unilaterally usurping the authority of the SEC and SWC without restraint. He has also perfected the use of proxies in a clear abdication of responsibility and betrayal of trust.
“We unequivocally condemn Elder Sobotie’s cozy relationship with the Delta State government, controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This illicit association has severely undermined our party’s integrity, exposing us to political manipulation and sabotage. Furthermore, we have strong reason to believe that Sobotie has been commissioned and is subsequently compromised by his financial ties to the Delta State government, a glaring conflict of interest that erodes trust in his leadership and loyalty to our party.
“We had thought it best to wait until the next congress to address the threat that Sobotie represents. However, the damage that his continued stay in office is inflicting on the party is incalculable and may become irremediable if nothing is done to constrain Sobotie’s nefarious activities and damaging inactions.
“We have completely lost confidence in Sobotie’s leadership as state chairman, as he continues to act with impunity in blatant disregard of the party’s constitution. We strongly urge the National Working Committee (NWC) to take immediate disciplinary action by suspending Sobotie from his position as state chairman. This decisive measure is crucial to prevent further damage to the party’s reputation and integrity.
“By suspending Sobotie, the NWC can help mitigate the harm caused, restore the party’s vitality, integrity, and direction in the state, and ensure the APC Delta State chapter remains united and focused on its objectives. We respectfully request the NWC to exercise its authority and take prompt action to address this situation”, the petition added.
The petition was endorsed by Sir. Austin Oribioye (State Vice Chairman, Delta South Senatorial District), Hon. Johnson Ejogbamu Okoro (State Organizing Secretary), Deaconess Hoplyn Ayu (State Welfare Secretary), Mrs. Hermia Doctor Akpomeyoma (State Assistant Women Leader), Madam Loveth Onojoserio (Delta Central Zonal Women Leader), Chief Rita Avweroba (Delta South Zonal Women Leader) and Chief (Mrs.) Onyeisi Ochei (Delta North Zonal Women Leader).
Others are Chief Chukwutem Nwogor (Delta North Zonal Youth Leader), Comrade Hyacinth Ede Ewariezi (Delta South Zonal Youth Leader), Comrade Famous Oyibo (Delta Central Zonal Women Leader), Prince (Hon.) Harry Tuoyo (State Assistant Publicity Secretary), Barr. Mudiaga Kingsley Okpako (State Assistant Legal Adviser), Hon. (Mrs.) Blessing Brume-Ataguba (Assistant State Welfare Secretary), Comrade Freedom Ekpeni (State Assistant Youth Leader), Comrade Chuks Erhire – State Ex-Officio and Barr. Bawo Wesley Edema (State Ex-Officio).
