The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the All Progressives Congress national congress, ruling that the matter falls within the party's internal affairs and is outside judicial jurisdiction. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik delivered the judgment on Monday, stating that the dispute arose from the APC's internal nomination and congress processes, which courts cannot adjudicate under Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act 2026. The plaintiff, Fubara Dagogo, an aspirant for the party's National Vice Chairman (South-South) position, had claimed he was excluded from the national convention despite completing all required procedures. He sued the APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, Victor Giadom, and Sulaiman Muitamma, seeking to nullify the election outcome and claiming N100m in damages.
The APC and the defendants filed a preliminary objection, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction because the issues concerned internal party affairs. Their lawyer, Kayode Okunade, cited Section 83(5), which bars courts from entertaining disputes over political party congresses, nominations, and internal administration. He also argued that Dagogo failed to exhaust internal party remedies and lacked legal standing. In response, Dagogo's lawyer, Ogochukwu Onyema, maintained that the case involved breaches of fair hearing and statutory guidelines. After considering submissions, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the subject matter was strictly an internal party issue. She declared all other issues academic and struck out the suit in its entirety.
The judge also imposed a total cost of N20m, with N10m against Dagogo and N10m against his counsel. She referenced legal provisions allowing sanctions in non-justiciable political party disputes. The ruling follows the APC's zonal congresses on March 21 and the national convention held from March 25 to March 28. Justice Abdulmalik emphasized that political parties are voluntary associations and their internal affairs are not subject to judicial interference unless there is a clear breach of statute.
Fubara Dagogo challenged the APC congress after being excluded despite claiming full compliance, yet the court dismissed the case for lack of jurisdiction and fined him and his lawyer N20m. The judgment reinforces that party internal processes are shielded from court intervention, even when aspirants allege procedural fairness was denied. This outcome leaves no legal recourse for aggrieved members who follow due process but are still sidelined. The cost award adds a financial penalty that may deter future challenges, regardless of their merit.
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