The crisis rocking the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a worrisome turn as members of the State Executive Committee (SEC) have disassociated themselves from a petition authored by their chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, against the party?s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, and demanded his immediate suspension.

The embattled State Chairman, Sobotie, had petitioned the national leadership of the party, accusing Morka of gross abuse of office and calling for the removal of the party?s spokesperson.

In a letter written to the party?s National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the State Secretary, Mr. Peter Akarogbe, claimed that the petition was authored unilaterally by Sobotie without reference to, or approval from, the SEC.

The party?s state scribe further emphasised that the petition was grossly misconceived, petty, and reckless, disclosing no reasonable or justifiable basis to call for the removal of the National Publicity Secretary (NPS) from office, and stressed that Sobotie lacks an understanding of the limits of his authority as state chairman.

They demanded his suspension, stating: ?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.?

According to the letter: ?We, the majority members of the SEC of the 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 petition.

?Further, we wish to state as follows: The petition was authored unilaterally by Sobotie without reference to, or approval from, the SEC, on whose behalf he claims to have submitted the disturbing and dishonourable 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 discloses no reasonable or justifiable basis to call for the removal of the NPS from office. It shows that Sobotie lacks an 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 NWC,? the letter noted.

Signed by a 79-member state and local government executive, it further stated: ?Sobotie?s petition contains two allegations against the NPS: It claims that he issued a press statement clarifying that the NWC did not grant approval for the creation and inauguration of a Delta State APC Leadership Council, and did so without consultation with the NWC. The clarification offered by the NPS was necessitated by a claim contained in a press statement issued by the state publicity secretary, which declared that the NWC had granted approval for the creation and inauguration of the council.

?We fully support the position of the NWC that the council is not an organ created or recognised under the party?s constitution and, in any event, was never discussed or approved by the SEC.

?Sobotie alleged that the NPS declared Senator Omo-Agege the leader of the party in a television interview. We have diligently searched for any television news reports where the alleged statement declaring him as leader of the party in Delta was made by the NPS.

?It is disheartening that Sobotie would seek to smear 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 defence 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 the 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.

?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 21.2(v) of the party?s constitution, which explicitly prohibits members from providing false information to any party organ and engaging in unauthorised 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,? the state exco noted.

Demanding Sobotie?s suspension, the letter read: ?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 behaviour 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, creating a vacuum of leadership that has enabled impostors and unauthorised elements to undermine the party?s institutional integrity and effective functioning.

?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.? (Daily Sun)

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