APC Convention: Legacy group rejects denial of nomination form to members

Ahead of next week’s National Convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a group of founding members of the party, under the aegis of Legacy group has condemned the denial of expression of interest and nomination forms from its member, Ambassador Fubara Dagogo by the convention committee.

Dagogo, who is the Director General, APC States Assembly Forum (ASAF), had signified his intentions to contest for the office of National Vice Chairman, South – South, but was denied the form on Wednesday, after he had completed all the requirements, including payment of N5.1m for expression of interest and nomination forms

He was billed to challenge the incumbent National Working Committee (NWC) member, Victor Giadom, since the office is micro zoned to Rivers State, where they all come from.

The ASAF DG had raised the alarm on Wednesday, over denial of party officials to issue him Nomination and Expression of Interest forms to contest for a position in the forthcoming National Convention, despite meeting all requirements stipulated by the party.

He explained that he completed the payment process, obtained all necessary documentation, including bank’s credit of N5.1m, receipts and verification from the accounts department, in line with the party’s guidelines, noting that after fulfilling the conditions, he proceeded to the organising Secretary Department to be issued the nomination form but was repeatedly, turned down without reasonable reasons.

He further expressed fears that this attitude could undermine internal democracy within the party, and make things difficult for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 Presidential election.

“I paid N5.1 million, five million, one hundred thousand Naira only, as stipulated and was issued receipts accordingly. I followed due process, but, have not been given the forms as expected.

“When I got to the Organising Secretary’s Office, I was told there was no form, yet I could see forms being moved around. That raises serious questions,” he said.

“I believe Mr President may not be aware of what is happening. I urge him to look into this and ensure that justice is done; I have served this party at different levels and contributed to its development. I believe I have earned the right to participate in this process.

“If I am neither good enough, nor qualified, let them say so. But if I have met all the requirements in accordance with the party requirements, why will you not give me my forms, which i have paid for,” he queried.

Reacting to the development, the APC Legacy group, which included founding members of the ruling party from the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), warned that denying members their right to seek elective positions in the APC could affect the progress of the party ahead of the 2027 general election

The group in a statement issued on Thursday by its coordinators Hon. Dominic Alancha and Hon. Alaso Edward Hart described Ambassador Dagogo, as a hard-working, passionate and pioneer member of the party, who has contributed immensely to the grassroots development of the APC both in his Rivers state and the center

The Legacy group noted that the action suggested that there may be deliberate attempts by some individuals to frustrate his ambition, warning that such actions could create disaffection among party loyalists, which may in turn affect the party’s future, with a pronounced internal crisis

“This is a very troubling development that could alter all calculations in our great party. APC is well rooted in internal party democracy and inclusiveness. Those behind this ugly trend are enemies of the APC, who must not be allowed to succeed. APC must not follow the lines of opposition political parties, who we have already defeated. If several opposition politicians are defecting to our great party, following our good steps, these bad eggs within the APC must not be allowed to succeed

“APC must use the opportunity of this National Convention to prove a bigger point and teach the opposition parties what they could not achieve during their Ibadan convention that has now been invalidated by the court, following issues of this nature . The Committee must respect the democratic right of every member who has met all the convention requirements. Denying members the right to contest in the convention, after they had met all the requirements is undemocratic and not in the interest of the party. This is a time bomb that is being planted by enemies within the APC, we must not allow it to explode,” Legacy group warned.