APC Aspirant Challenges Alleged Exclusion From South-South Congress In Court

AN aggrieved aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ambassador Fubara Dagogo, has instituted legal action against the ruling party and some of its senior officials over his alleged exclusion from the contest for the position of National Vice Chairman (South-South).

Dagogo filed the suit before a Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing the APC leadership of denying him participation in the party’s South-South zonal congress despite allegedly meeting all conditions required for the race.

Allegations Of Unfair Exclusion

According to court documents, the plaintiff claimed he purchased the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms and fulfilled all stipulated requirements for participation in the congress.

However, he alleged that when he visited the APC national secretariat to obtain the forms after making payment, party officials informed him that the forms were no longer available.

Dagogo further accused some officials within the party of deliberately frustrating his ambition because of fears that he could defeat the incumbent office holder during the contest.

“You cannot discard me after I spent over ₦100 million pursuing this ambition,” the plaintiff reportedly stated in the suit.

APC Officials Named In Suit

The suit listed the APC, its National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, and the National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, as defendants.

Dagogo is seeking a court order nullifying any outcome of the South-South zonal congress conducted without his participation.

He is also demanding ₦100 million in damages for alleged embarrassment, emotional distress and mental torture caused by the actions of the party and its officials.

Debate Over Internal Party Affairs

In response, the APC reportedly urged the court to dismiss the matter, arguing that disputes relating to party congresses and internal processes fall within the category of internal party affairs and are therefore not justiciable.

Legal analysts note that Nigerian courts have, over the years, delivered varying interpretations on disputes involving internal party democracy, especially where allegations of exclusion and denial of participation are raised.

The case is expected to test the extent to which courts can intervene in the internal administrative decisions of political parties ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.

Growing Tensions Ahead Of 2027

The lawsuit adds to growing political tensions within several parties as alignments and power struggles intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Observers say contests for party leadership positions are becoming increasingly strategic because of their influence over delegate structures, candidate nominations and regional political control.

The matter is expected to come up for further proceedings before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik in Abuja.