A High Court has struck out a lawsuit challenging the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward, local government, and state congresses, describing the legal action as an “abuse of court process.”

The trial judge ruled that the suit, brought by a faction of the party, lacked merit and was an attempt to unnecessarily prolong internal political disputes through the judiciary. In a significant move to deter similar “frivolous” litigation, the court also ordered the plaintiffs to pay a total of ₦20 million in costs to the defendants.

The lawsuit had sought to nullify the results of the congresses, alleging that they were conducted in total disregard of the party’s constitution and guidelines. However, the court found that the plaintiffs failed to provide sufficient evidence to back their claims of irregularity.

Furthermore, the judge emphasized that the issues raised were internal party affairs that should have been exhaustively addressed through the APC’s own dispute resolution mechanisms before escalating to a court of law.

This ruling is seen as a major victory for the current party leadership, as it solidifies the legitimacy of the existing executive structures ahead of the 2027 elections. The imposition of the ₦20 million fine serves as a stern warning to political actors who use the court system to stall party administration.

Legal experts suggest that this judgment may discourage the trend of “litigation-driven politics” that often plagues major parties during transition periods.

The defendants’ legal team hailed the judgment as a “triumph for democracy and the rule of law,” noting that the court correctly identified the suit as a distraction. They argued that the high cost awarded was justified given the resources spent defending the party against what they described as a malicious attempt to destabilize its operations.

Meanwhile, the plaintiffs have indicated their intention to review the judgment, though the heavy financial penalty poses a significant hurdle to any potential appeal.

As the APC continues its preparations for the next electoral cycle, this judicial clearance allows the party to move forward with its planned activities without the cloud of legal uncertainty hanging over its leadership. The decision reinforces the principle that courts will generally not interfere in the domestic affairs of political parties unless there is a clear and documented breach of fundamental rights or statutory laws.