The Delta State Executive Committee (SEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed a petition filed by the Delta State Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, against the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Felix Morka, describing it as “reckless” and lacking merit. In a strongly worded statement signed by several party executives and stakeholders, the SEC also called for Sobotie’s immediate suspension, citing his alleged misconduct and failure to provide effective leadership.
The petition, dated March 17, 2025, sought Morka’s removal over allegations of gross abuse of office. However, the SEC members disassociated themselves from the petition, emphasizing that it was filed unilaterally by Sobotie without consultation or approval from the state executive body. “The petition is grossly misconceived, petty, reckless, and disclosed no reasonable or justifiable basis to call for the removal of the NPS from office,” the statement read.
Among the allegations leveled against Morka was the claim that he issued a press statement clarifying that the National Working Committee (NWC) had not approved the creation of a Delta State APC Leadership Council. The SEC defended Morka’s position, asserting that the council was “not an organ created or recognized under the party's constitution.” The petition also accused Morka of declaring Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as the party’s leader in Delta State, a claim the SEC dismissed as baseless after failing to find any evidence in television reports.
The SEC criticized Sobotie’s leadership, accusing him of neglecting his duties, failing to convene critical party meetings, and fostering an atmosphere of unilateral decision-making. “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,” the statement noted.
Furthermore, the committee expressed concern over Sobotie’s alleged ties to the Delta State government, controlled by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that such an association has compromised the integrity of the APC in the state. “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.”
The SEC urged the National Working Committee (NWC) to take immediate disciplinary action against Sobotie, warning that his continued leadership could inflict irreversible damage on the party. “We strongly urge the 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.”
The statement was signed by Chief (Barr.) Francis Obigbor, the State Deputy Chairman; Surveyor Peter Akarogbe, the State Secretary; Sir Austin Oribioye, State Vice Chairman (Delta South); and several other key executives, local government chairmen, secretaries, and former lawmakers. The petition was also copied to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and members of the National Working Committee.
