The petition, filed on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, accuses the pro-Fubara legislative faction of gross misconduct, the alleged forgery of signatures, and the illegal manipulation of House proceedings to obstruct constitutional oversight. This move marks a strategic shift in the three-year political war between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, moving the conflict from local chambers to the nation’s highest judicial regulatory body.
In the filing, the APC alleges that the 27 lawmakers have systematically violated their oaths of office and disregarded the Assembly’s standing orders. The party argues that the lawmakers have used their majority to conduct “irregular sittings” and block legitimate impeachment notices initiated by the Wike-aligned minority.
APC legal counsel is urging the NJC to exercise its disciplinary powers under the 1999 Constitution and the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers. The petitioners argue that immediate suspension is necessary to prevent the further “erosion of legislative propriety” and to protect the integrity of democratic governance in the oil-rich state.
The petition arrives at a critical juncture as the 2027 election cycle begins to take shape. Political analysts suggest that a favorable ruling from the NJC could fundamentally recalibrate the balance of power in Rivers State. If the pro-Fubara majority is suspended, the path would be cleared for the Wike-aligned faction to resume impeachment proceedings against the Governor and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.
The ongoing crisis has already resulted in significant governance disruptions, including the freezing of local government funds and the stalling of major infrastructure projects. Furthermore, the political divide has deepened ethnic fault lines between the Ikwerre and the riverine Ijaw communities, raising concerns over long-term regional stability.
As of Wednesday, January 21, 2026, neither the Governor’s office nor the affected lawmakers have issued an official rebuttal. However, legal experts anticipate an aggressive counter-strategy, with the Fubara camp expected to accuse the APC of “forum-shopping” and attempting to weaponize the NJC for partisan political gain.
The NJC’s response to this petition is expected to set a major national precedent regarding the extent of judicial oversight in state-level legislative disputes. With the stakes reaching an all-time high, the outcome of this federal intervention may determine which faction ultimately shapes the political landscape of Rivers State heading into the next general election.
