By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Ambassador Fubara Dagogo has filed a ₦100 million lawsuit against the APC and its leadership, alleging he was unlawfully excluded from contesting the National Vice Chairman (South-South) position.

The suit names the party and National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda as key defendants.

The plaintiff claims that despite paying ₦5.1 million for nomination forms, party officials refused to issue them. He specifically accuses the incumbent, Hon. Victor Giadom, of blocking his participation to prevent a democratic challenge for the seat.

In the suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Dagogo seeks a court declaration of his right to the forms. He also asks the court to nullify any South-South zonal congress results conducted without his involvement.

Dagogo is demanding ₦100 million in general damages for the embarrassment and mental torture caused by the party’s conduct. He noted that he attempted to resolve the issue internally by writing to the National Chairman, but received no response.

The APC has filed a preliminary objection, urging the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds that it lacks jurisdiction. Their legal team argues that the selection of party officers is an internal affair and “non-justiciable.”

The party further contends that Dagogo lacks the standing to sue because he was never officially recognized as a valid aspirant. They also claimed the lawsuit was premature as the plaintiff allegedly bypassed the party’s internal dispute mechanisms.

Proceedings were stalled on Friday due to the absence of Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. The case has been adjourned until March 30 for mention, leaving the validity of the South-South leadership contest in legal limbo during the National Convention.