The All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended the indefinite suspension of a party chieftain in Rivers State, stating that pursuing legal action before exhausting internal dispute resolution mechanisms constitutes grounds for expulsion.
The suspension, imposed by APC executives in Ward 4, Bonny Local Government Area, followed allegations of anti-party activities against Fubara Dagogo. The national leadership has now framed the action as a disciplinary necessity rooted in party constitution.
Felix Morka, APC National Publicity Secretary, articulated the party’s position during an appearance on Arise Television. He explained that the suspension stems from Dagogo’s decision to challenge the party in court over its national convention nomination process. According to Morka, the APC constitution explicitly requires members to first utilise all internal reconciliation avenues before seeking judicial intervention.
“Going to court before exploring these mechanisms could lead to expulsion, not just suspension,” Morka stated, clarifying that the initial sanction was suspension pending further internal processes.
The conflict originated when Dagogo contested the APC’s zoning arrangement for elective offices, a practice Morka described as a democratic tool to ensure geographic spread and prevent concentration of power. Dagogo claimed he paid N5.1 million for a nomination form but was not provided the required documentation to formalise his candidacy, prompting his litigation.
Morka emphasised that bypassing the party’s internal conflict resolution panel is a serious violation. The party’s stance underscores a wider tension between individual members’ legal rights and collective party discipline. For the APC, adherence to internal procedures is presented as a non-negotiable prerequisite for membership.
This incident highlights the often-contentious interface between political party autonomy and members’ access to the courts. The APC’s firm response signals its intent to strictly enforce constitutional provisions, setting a precedent for how future disputes within the party may be handled. The outcome of Dagogo’s case and any subsequent internal party proceedings will be closely watched for implications on internal democracy and legal recourse within one of Nigeria’s largest political parties.
