The APC Progressive Mandate Group has called for the immediate suspension of impeachment proceedings against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, warning that the move could destabilise the state and undermine a peace agreement brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The group described the impeachment process currently before the Rivers State House of Assembly as unconstitutional and politically motivated. It said the action runs contrary to the reconciliation framework that helped ease tensions among key political actors in the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the organisation said the impeachment effort lacked proper legal and procedural grounding. The statement was signed by the group’s national coordinator, Comrade Ayodele Alonge.
According to the group, impeachment is a serious constitutional action that must strictly follow due process. It argued that the allegations raised by the Assembly do not meet the threshold required to justify the removal of an elected governor and deputy governor.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has accused Governor Fubara of several offences. These include alleged extra-budgetary spending, the demolition of the Assembly complex, and the withholding of funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission.
The lawmakers also accused the governor of failing to comply with a Supreme Court judgment relating to legislative autonomy. Similar claims of reckless and unconstitutional expenditure were made against Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu.
However, the APC group said these accusations are being pursued on what it called a faulty legal foundation. It warned that continuing with the impeachment could heighten political tension in Rivers State.
The group stressed that the impeachment effort contradicts a peace accord reached last year. That agreement was facilitated by President Tinubu to resolve the political crisis involving Governor Fubara, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
According to the statement, the peace process allowed Governor Fubara to return fully to office after signing a reconciliation pact with other stakeholders. The group said reopening political hostilities undermines that settlement.
It added that attempting to reverse the agreement challenges the authority of the President, who personally intervened to restore calm in the state. The group described the move as irresponsible and counterproductive.
The APC Progressive Mandate Group also criticised the Assembly’s reliance on the Rivers State budget passed by the National Assembly during a period of emergency rule. It argued that the current lawmakers lack the authority to question the implementation of a budget they did not originate.
The group maintained that any disputes over budgetary matters should be resolved through dialogue and constitutional means. It warned that politicising the process could weaken democratic institutions.
The statement further referenced Governor Fubara’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress in December 2025. According to the group, the defection strengthened the APC’s political position in Rivers State.
It claimed that the governor’s move triggered further defections by prominent political figures. Those mentioned include former PDP national chairman Uche Secondus and former Rivers State governor Peter Odili.
The group said these developments boosted the APC’s influence in the state and aligned with President Tinubu’s broader political objectives. It warned that the impeachment process could erode these gains.
According to the statement, lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike are driving the impeachment effort for political reasons. The group accused them of using the process to settle scores rather than uphold constitutional governance.
The APC group called on the National Assembly to intervene in the matter. It said federal lawmakers should act to protect constitutional order and prevent a breakdown of peace in Rivers State.
It also demanded an immediate halt to the impeachment proceedings. In addition, the group called for a public apology to President Tinubu, saying his role in restoring stability should be respected.
The statement concluded by warning that allowing the impeachment to proceed could set a dangerous precedent. It said such a development could encourage political instability in other parts of the country if left unchecked.
