A faction within the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has criticised the Rivers State House of Assembly for pushing ahead with impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, cautioning that the move could trigger political instability within the party and the state at large.
In a press statement released on Friday and signed by the group’s spokesperson, Darlington Nwauju, the APC faction said it had carefully examined the unfolding events at the Assembly and expressed deep unease over what it characterised as a “choreographed legislative coup d’état.”
“We have painstakingly analysed the issues leading up to the latest step taken today by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly by electing to proceed with the impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof Ngozi Odu.
“Regrettably, we note that honourable members who trumpeted loyalty to our party and Mr President can give themselves to the unfolding choreographed legislative coup d’état against the collective interest, growth, and development of our party in the state,” the statement read.
The group warned that Rivers State could ill-afford actions capable of undermining political stability, alleging that certain lawmakers, including members of the APC, were pursuing personal or sectional interests at the expense of the party’s long-term fortunes. It maintained that while the House of Assembly is constitutionally empowered to initiate impeachment proceedings, such actions are inherently subjective, given that the definition of “gross misconduct” under Section 188 of the Constitution largely depends on political interpretation by legislators.
“Thus, no matter how beautifully crafted the allegations against the Governor and his Deputy are, they are still very subjective in the court of public opinion,” the statement added.
According to the APC faction, the current course being taken by the Assembly could leave lasting damage on the party’s structure and relevance in Rivers State, warning that it sets a troubling precedent for internal cohesion and democratic practice.
“This unfortunate path chosen by the legislative arm, therefore, serves as a dangerous footnote to the health and survival of the APC in Rivers State,” it stated.
The group also appealed to the Chief Judge of Rivers State to adhere strictly to an interim injunction that reportedly restrains him from receiving or acting on any resolutions from the House of Assembly connected to the impeachment process.
“Meanwhile, we call on the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State to respect yesterday’s interim injunction in Suit No. OYHC/7/CS/2026 that restrained him from receiving or acting on the resolutions of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” the statement said.
In addition, the faction urged the national leadership of the APC to step in promptly by deploying internal conflict-resolution mechanisms available to the party’s National Working Committee, as provided under Article 21(b)(iii) of the APC’s 2022 Constitution, as amended.
“Finally, we call on the national leadership of the party to immediately activate internal mechanisms available to the National Working Committee under Article 21(b)(iii) of the 2022 Constitution (as amended) to save our dear party from an embarrassing situation,” it concluded.
What you should know
The impeachment process against Governor Siminalayi Fubara has deepened political tensions in Rivers State, exposing divisions within the APC itself.
While the State House of Assembly is constitutionally empowered to initiate impeachment, such moves often carry heavy political consequences.
Internal party factions fear that proceeding without broad consensus could weaken the APC’s standing in Rivers State, complicate governance, and escalate instability, prompting calls for intervention by the party’s national leadership and strict adherence to judicial processes.
