APC Scribe dismisses Fubara’s lawsuit against National Convention as baseless

By Matthew Denis

With only days remaining before the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention this Saturday, the party has dismissed concerns that legal challenges could derail the event, insisting that the exercise will proceed as scheduled in Abuja.

Senator Ajibola Basiru, the party’s National Secretary, clarified that there is no legitimate threat to the gathering at Eagle Square.

He maintained that the convention will be conducted strictly in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the ruling party’s internal guidelines.

Basiru specifically addressed a lawsuit filed by Ambassador Fubara Dagogo, a South-South national vice-chairmanship aspirant, describing the litigation as spurious and lacking in basis.

The National Secretary further noted that he had not been formally served with any court processes regarding the matter.

"We have not been served with any court summons. The position he is referring to is not contestable at the national convention; it is a zonal position. The Vice Chairman, South-South, is a zonal executive position. Without prejudice, we only heard his complaint on television. Nothing will stop the convention. I have not received any request from him for a form. There are procedures, and people should study the Constitution. You cannot stop a process that does not concern you," Basiru explained.

Approximately 7,200 delegates are expected to converge on Eagle Square for the event. In the lead-up to the national assembly, the party is conducting zonal congresses across the six geopolitical zones to elect zonal vice chairmen and other regional executives.

The South-South zonal congress, where Dagogo’s contested position will be decided, is slated to take place in Asaba, Delta State.

The legal friction stems from a suit filed by Dagogo, who also serves as the Director-General of the APC States Assembly Forum.

In suit FHC/ABJ/CS/591/2026, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Rivers State indigene sought to halt the proceedings, alleging he was denied expression of interest and nomination forms despite paying a ₦5.1 million fee.

Dagogo is asking the court to interpret the validity of his payment acknowledgment receipt dated March 13, 2026, in relation to the party’s official schedule.

The defendants named in the suit include the APC, National Chairman Victor Giadom, and National Organising Secretary Suleiman Mohammed Argungu.

Dagogo’s counsel, Chief OAU Onyema, argued that the challenge is a necessary defense of internal democracy and the party's founding vision.

Despite the pending litigation, the party’s internal machinery remains in motion.

The Aspirants Screening Committee, chaired by Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, recently concluded its review at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

Several key figures have already been cleared for the National Working Committee elections, including National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Senator Basiru, and National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka.