Mathew Amaechi
The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has ordered the All Progressives Congress (APC) to respond to a ₦10 million nomination fee refund lawsuit after the ruling party failed to appear at a hearing on Monday. The case, brought by former APC deputy national chairmanship aspirant Sunny Moniedafe, accuses the party of reneging on a pledge to refund fees paid by aspirants who stepped down during a contentious 2022 leadership consensus.
Presiding Justice Yusuf Halilu directed the court registrar to serve a hearing notice on the APC following the party’s absence at Monday’s proceedings. Moniedafe and his counsel, Okoi Obono-Obla, were present, but no representatives appeared for the APC, prompting the judge to demand expedited service of documents.
“The defendant is not in court and not represented,” Justice Halilu noted, acknowledging the APC’s statement of defence but highlighting a lack of proof that Moniedafe had been formally served. The court granted the APC’s application for an extension of time to respond, adjourning the case to July 15, 2025 a date critics argue may prolong accountability.
Moniedafe, in his suit (FCT/HC/CV/2434/2024), detailed how he purchased a ₦10 million nomination form ahead of the APC’s March 2022 National Convention to contest the Deputy National Chairman (North) position. During the convention, then-President Muhammadu Buhari and party leaders reportedly urged aspirants to withdraw, promising refunds after declaring the position would go to a consensus candidate from Borno State.
“The leadership reneged on its promise,” Moniedafe stated, alleging the APC “blatantly refused” to refund his fee despite repeated demands. His legal team emphasized the case unveils broader concerns about transparency in political party financing.
Obono-Obla, Moniedafe’s lawyer, affirmed readiness to respond once served: “We are very diligent. If we are served, we will respond immediately.” Political analysts speculate the APC’s absence and delayed hearing date could reflect procedural tactics, but critics warn it risks eroding public trust in party accountability.
The case spotlights recurring disputes over nomination fees in Nigerian politics, where aspirants often pay hefty sums only to face opaque consensus arrangements. Similar lawsuits have emerged in recent years, though few result in swift resolutions.
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