The political landscape in Rivers State has been engulfed in a significant crisis, with the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at its core. This internal turmoil has led to a resounding call for the immediate resignation of the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Felix Morka. The state branch vehemently accuses Morka of actively undermining legitimate court rulings and promoting what they describe as a dangerous partisan narrative that exacerbates the already fragile political instability within the state. This escalating demand highlights deep-seated divisions and a struggle for control within one of Nigeria’s most politically vibrant regions, raising critical questions about party loyalty and the rule of law. Understanding why is Rivers APC demanding Morka’s resignation is crucial to grasp the current political climate.
In a strongly worded statement, the State Publicity Secretary, Darlington Nwauju, articulated the state chapter’s profound disappointment and anger following Morka’s recent comments during a national television interview. The controversy specifically revolves around Morka’s remarks concerning the ongoing move by the State House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu. These actions have intensified the scrutiny on the internal workings of the APC, further explaining why is Rivers APC demanding Morka’s resignation.
What is happening in Rivers State politics is a complex interplay of legal battles, political maneuvering, and party loyalties. The answer is that the state is experiencing a severe power struggle between the executive and legislative arms, compounded by internal party conflicts within the APC regarding the leadership and legitimate representation in the state.
During his appearance on TVC’s Beyond Headlines, Felix Morka hinted that the national APC would eventually disclose its official stance on the impeachment attempt. However, he provoked the ire of the Rivers State chapter when he publicly questioned the legitimacy of Nwauju’s position, referring to him as “an official of the old exco” and expressing doubt about his continued membership in the current executive council. This public dismissal fueled the demand for Morka’s resignation, providing a key insight into why is Rivers APC demanding Morka’s resignation.
Why is Rivers APC demanding Morka’s resignation? The Rivers APC expressed deep concern over what it characterized as Morka’s “continuous ridicule, disrespect and disregard for lawful court rulings.” The party argues that such statements from a high-ranking national officer deliberately cast unnecessary doubt on the authority and validity of the legally recognized state executive, thereby creating confusion and undermining the party’s structure in Rivers State.
Nwauju specifically referenced judicial decisions, including Suit No. PHC/3592/CS/2023 and Suit No. 3859/CS/2024. These crucial rulings nullified the previous dissolution of the state executives, who were originally elected in October 2021, and simultaneously invalidated a subsequent congress held in November 2023. These court orders, according to the Rivers APC, unequivocally confirm Nwauju as the authentic and sole spokesperson for the party within Rivers State, making Morka’s comments a direct affront to judicial authority and a strong reason for why is Rivers APC demanding Morka’s resignation.
The statement further asserted that Morka has “lost the moral high ground to continue to act as a national officer of our great party.” The state branch issued a stern warning that his “misleading narrative is too dangerous to be ignored by any true member of our party praying for the APC to mobilise and win elections fair and square in Rivers State.” This underscores the high stakes involved in the Rivers State political crisis explained through these internal feuds, and provides more context on why is Rivers APC demanding Morka’s resignation.
Accusations were also leveled against Morka for allegedly attempting to “launder the image” of individuals not recognized as party members, while simultaneously displaying open disregard for Governor Fubara. The Rivers State chapter notably referred to Fubara as the “undisputed leader of the APC in the state,” a significant claim following his high-profile defection, which further complicates the Siminalayi Fubara vs Martin Amaewhule power dynamics.
Furthermore, the Rivers APC has taken a significant step by petitioning the Nigerian Bar Association and the Legal Practitioners Privileges Council to investigate Morka’s professional conduct. They allege that his televised remarks constituted a calculated attempt to damage the reputation of the legal profession and undermine the dignity of the courts, making Felix Morka latest news a subject of legal scrutiny. Such actions also contribute to the reasons why is Rivers APC demanding Morka’s resignation.
“Morka’s poor attitude to the collective well-being and interest of our party leaves both a black eye and sour taste on the lips of party faithfuls across Rivers State and beyond,” the statement added, emphasizing the severe impact of the APC Rivers State leadership guide being challenged by national figures.
In a direct warning to the state’s judiciary, the party urged Chief Judge Justice Simeon Amadi not to act on the January 16, 2026, resolutions of the State House of Assembly. They characterized the legislative push for impeachment as an attempted “coup d’état” and argued that the current leadership structure under the national chairmanship of Alhaji Umar Ganduje is built on a “faulty foundation” that will not withstand legal scrutiny. This highlights the ongoing Rivers APC vs National APC conflict, and is another factor in why is Rivers APC demanding Morka’s resignation.
However, the leadership in Rivers urged the new national team, led by Prof. Nentawe Yilwada and Senator Ajibola Bashiru, to intervene swiftly and prevent a recurrence of the internal crises that severely crippled the party during the 2019 elections. This plea suggests a hope for a more unified APC Rivers State strategy 2026, avoiding past mistakes.
In a related development, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, recently voted to proceed with the impeachment of Governor Fubara after four lawmakers reversed their earlier decision to seek a political solution. This legislative move has since been met with a fresh interim injunction from a Rivers State High Court, which currently bars the Chief Judge from constituting an investigative panel, further illustrating the complexity of Governor Fubara news.
The ongoing demand for Felix Morka’s resignation by the Rivers APC underscores a critical moment in Nigerian politics, reflecting deep internal party struggles and the constant tension between state and national party interests. Understanding why is Rivers APC demanding Morka’s resignation is crucial for grasping the broader implications for governance and democracy in the region and for the future Rivers State political forecast 2026.
