Court Dismisses Suit Against APC National Congress

On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyc Abdulmalik, struck out a suit filed by Fubara Dagogo challenging the conduct of the APC national congress. The court ruled that the matter pertained to the internal affairs of the APC and was therefore non-justiciable, lacking jurisdiction under Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act 2026.

Justice Abdulmalik stated that the issues raised had become academic and would not serve any practical purpose. The suit followed the APC zonal congress held on March 21 and the national convention from March 25 to March 28.

Dagogo's counsel, Ogochukwu Onyema, claimed that Dagogo was excluded from the nomination process despite expressing interest. The court awarded N20 million in costs against Dagogo and his lawyer, with N10 million each for the plaintiff and the counsel.

The ruling emphasized that political parties are voluntary associations whose internal matters are generally not subject to judicial interference.