A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to nullify the recent national congress of the All Progressives Congress, ruling that the matter falls within the internal affairs of the political party.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the judgment on Monday, striking out the case filed by Fubara Dagogo, who claimed he was unlawfully excluded from contesting for the position of APC National Vice Chairman, South South.
According to The Nation, the judge held that issues relating to nomination processes and the purchase of nomination forms are internal party matters beyond the court’s jurisdiction.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/591/2026 and filed on March 23, challenged the conduct of the APC congress and sought to void the outcome of the election for the South South vice chairmanship position.
Justice Abdulmalik upheld preliminary objections raised by the defendants, which included the APC, National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, National Vice Chairman South South Victor Giadom, and National Organising Secretary Sulaiman Muitamma.
The court also imposed a N20 million cost against the plaintiff and his lawyer, Chief Sir O. A. U. Onyema, awarding N10 million each in favour of the defendants.
Relying on Section 83(6) of the Electoral Act 2026, the judge ruled that the court could not interfere in disputes arising from party nomination processes.
Dagogo had argued that he was denied the opportunity to purchase nomination and expression of interest forms despite allegedly making payment and being cleared as an aspirant.
He asked the court to declare that no valid congress could hold for the South South APC without his participation. He also sought N100 million in damages for alleged embarrassment and mental distress.
