Court Dismisses APC Congress Challenge, Imposes N20M Fine

On March 28, 2023, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyc Abdulmalik, struck out a lawsuit filed by Fubara Dagogo challenging the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national congress. The court ruled that the matter pertained to the internal affairs of the party and therefore lacked jurisdiction under Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act 2026.

Justice Abdulmalik stated that the issues raised in the suit had become academic and would not serve any practical purpose. Dagogo had alleged exclusion from the nomination process despite purchasing a complete nomination form and sought to nullify the outcomes of the APC national congress.

The court awarded N10 million against Dagogo and N10 million against his lawyer, Ogochukwu Onyema, for the costs incurred. The APC's national congress was held on March 25, 2023, following a zonal congress on March 21, 2023.