The All Progressives Congress has maintained that its planned national convention will proceed as scheduled, dismissing concerns over a lawsuit filed to halt the event.
Speaking on Tuesday, the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, stated that nothing would stop the convention slated for Saturday in Abuja. He emphasized that all arrangements are being carried out in line with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the party’s internal guidelines.
Basiru described the suit filed by Fubara Dagogo as “spurious and lacking in basis,” adding that he had not been officially served any court documents related to the matter.
“We have not been served with any court summons. The position he is referring to is not contestable at the convention; it is a zonal position. The Vice Chairman, South-South, is a zonal executive position,” Basiru said.
“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.”
The convention, expected to attract about 7,200 delegates, will take place at Eagle Square in Abuja. Ahead of the main event, the party is conducting zonal congresses across the six geopolitical zones to elect regional leaders, including vice chairmen and other officials.
The South-South zonal congress, where the position Dagogo is seeking will be determined, is scheduled to hold in Asaba, Delta State.
Basiru urged party members to properly understand the party’s constitution, stressing that the court action cannot disrupt a process that does not directly involve the plaintiff.
“People should study the Constitution. You cannot stop a process that does not concern you,” he added.
The controversy began after Dagogo, who serves as Director-General of the APC States Assembly Forum, approached a Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to stop the convention. He claimed he was denied access to expression of interest and nomination forms despite paying ₦5.1 million.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/591/2026, he is asking the court to clarify issues surrounding the payment receipt issued to him on March 13, 2026, as well as the schedule for the party’s congresses and convention. He is also seeking an order to halt the South-South zonal congress planned for March 25, 2026.
His lawyer, Chief OAU Onyema, argued that the case goes beyond personal grievance and touches on fairness within the party.
“This legal challenge is not just about one man’s exclusion; it is about defending the integrity of the APC and restoring the vision upon which it was founded,” he said.
Meanwhile, the party’s Aspirants Screening Committee, led by Biodun Oyebanji, has cleared several candidates to contest for positions in the National Working Committee.
Among those cleared are the National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, Basiru, National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, and his deputy Duro Meseko, among others.
The screening exercise took place at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, where aspirants’ credentials were verified before they were asked to take a bow and exit.
What you should know
The APC’s stance reflects its determination to proceed with internal political processes despite legal challenges.
While the lawsuit raises questions about transparency and fairness in candidate participation, the party insists its constitution clearly outlines the procedures for contesting positions.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions within political parties over internal democracy, zoning arrangements, and access to nomination processes, which often shape leadership outcomes ahead of major conventions.
