Court dismisses suit challenging APC national congress
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit challenging the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national congress. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ruled that the matter concerns the internal affairs of the APC and is not justiciable. The court also imposed a total cost of N20m against Fubara Dagogo and his lawyer, Ogochukwu Onyema. The suit alleged exclusion from the APC national convention election despite meeting nomination requirements.
Key takeaways
- Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that disputes over the APC’s congress and nomination processes are internal party matters and not subject to court jurisdiction.
- The court relied on Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act 2026, which bars courts from entertaining matters related to the internal affairs of political parties.
- Fubara Dagogo claimed he was excluded from the APC national convention election despite completing all nomination requirements.
- The court awarded N10m each against Dagogo and his lawyer, totaling N20m in costs.
- The judge emphasized that political parties are voluntary associations whose internal affairs are generally not open to judicial review unless statutory provisions are breached.
