'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The crisis within the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has deepened following a strongly worded rebuttal by the majority members of the State Executive Committee (SEC), who have rejected a petition seeking the removal of the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Felix Morka.
In a letter addressed to the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and copied to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Delta APC leaders dissociated themselves from the petition authored by the state chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie. They described the petition as "grossly misconceived, petty, reckless, and baseless."
Petition Lacks Merit, Say Delta APC Executives
According to the signatories, Sobotie unilaterally authored and submitted the petition without the approval of the SEC. They argued that the allegations contained in the petition lacked factual backing and were aimed at discrediting Barr. Morka, who they described as a "fine and highly distinguished Deltan serving the nation admirably."
The petition against Morka, dated March 17, 2025, accused the APC spokesperson of gross abuse of office, particularly in relation to his statements concerning the establishment of the Delta APC Leadership Council. The petition also alleged that Morka unilaterally declared Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as the leader of the party in the state.
However, the SEC members countered these claims, explaining that Morka's statement on the Delta APC Leadership Council was based on the official position of the National Working Committee (NWC), which had not approved the formation of the council. They further stated that after searching through media reports, they found no evidence that Morka declared Omo-Agege as the leader of the party on television.
Call for Sobotie’s Suspension
Rather than seeking Morka’s removal, the SEC members turned their attention to Sobotie, accusing him of incompetence, high-handedness, and financial compromise with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State.
They alleged that since assuming office as APC state chairman, Sobotie had failed to convene SEC meetings, refused to consult party leaders on major decisions, and acted unilaterally in a dictatorial fashion. According to them, his actions have plunged the Delta APC into a state of disarray, enabling "impostors and unauthorized elements" to undermine the party’s credibility.
In a damning revelation, the SEC members accused Sobotie of being financially compromised by the PDP-led Delta State government, stating that his relationship with the ruling party in the state had weakened the APC’s strength and exposed it to political manipulation.
“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,” the SEC members wrote.
Unwavering Support for Morka
The APC leaders reaffirmed their confidence in Felix Morka, praising his professionalism and commitment to the party’s ideals. They urged the NWC to ignore the petition against him, dismissing it as a “blatant attempt to silence a courageous voice in defense of the party and President Bola Tinubu's administration.”
Furthermore, they called on the NWC to take disciplinary action against Sobotie by suspending him as state chairman, arguing that his continued leadership posed a threat to the party’s unity and stability in Delta State.
"If the party leadership fails to act, the integrity and direction of the Delta State APC could be permanently compromised," they warned.
Conclusion
This latest development underscores the deep divisions within the Delta APC, with party leaders openly at odds over control and direction. As the APC national leadership navigates the dispute, the fate of both Felix Morka and Omeni Sobotie remains uncertain. However, the SEC members’ strong condemnation of Sobotie signals that his leadership may be on the verge of collapse if the NWC heeds their call for his suspension.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, how the APC resolves this crisis could determine the party’s fortunes in Delta State.
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