SUNTV Global Channel | January 18, 2026 | Politics
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the impeachment proceedings initiated against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, describing the move as a “legislative coup d’état” that threatens the stability and future of the party in the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Port Harcourt, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Darlington Nwauju, called on the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, to respect and comply with an interim court injunction restraining him from receiving or acting on any resolution from the Rivers State House of Assembly related to the impeachment process.
Nwauju, who speaks for the Emeka Beke-led faction of the Rivers APC, expressed deep concern over the actions of the lawmakers—most of whom belong to the ruling party—despite their earlier public declarations of loyalty to the APC and President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, the decision to pursue impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy represents a dangerous political miscalculation and an abuse of legislative powers.
“We have carefully analysed the issues leading to the decision of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy,” the statement read.
“Regrettably, we observe that lawmakers who once trumpeted loyalty to our party and Mr President have now surrendered themselves to a choreographed legislative coup d’état against the collective interest, growth, and survival of the APC in Rivers State.”
The party warned that the development could leave a damaging mark on the APC’s political fortunes in the state, describing the lawmakers’ actions as an unnecessary legislative overreach.
While acknowledging that the National Assembly and state legislatures are empowered under Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to carry out impeachment, the APC argued that the determination of “gross misconduct” remains largely subjective.
“No matter how carefully drafted the allegations against the governor and his deputy may appear, they remain subjective in the court of public opinion,” the statement noted.
The party further urged the Rivers State Chief Judge to respect the interim injunction in Suit No: OYHC/7/CS/2026, which bars him from acting on any impeachment-related correspondence from the House of Assembly.
In addition, the APC called on its national leadership to urgently intervene, urging the National Working Committee (NWC) to activate internal conflict-resolution mechanisms provided under Article 21(b)(iii) of the APC Constitution (2022, as amended) to prevent what it described as an “embarrassing and avoidable crisis.”
The statement comes amid rising political tension in Rivers State following moves by the House of Assembly to formally commence impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy.
Earlier reports confirmed that a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt had restrained the Chief Judge from taking any action connected to the impeachment process pending further judicial review.
As the crisis deepens, political observers warn that the unfolding events could have far-reaching implications for governance and party unity in Rivers State.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor and report developments as the situation evolves.
