The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has suspended Fubara Dagogo, a prominent member from Bonny Local Government Area.
The decision was taken by the Ward 4 Executive Committee after allegations of anti-party activities and gross misconduct were levelled against the party chieftain.
The crisis arose after Dagogo took legal action against the APC over its upcoming national convention.
He approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, requesting an order to halt the party’s planned event.
In his suit, Dagogo alleged that he was unjustly prevented from contesting for the position of National Vice-Chairman (South-South).
Although Dagogo reportedly paid N5.1 million for the nomination form, he claimed the party refused to provide the required documents to formalize his candidacy.
He subsequently petitioned the court to suspend the South-South zonal congress and recognize his eligibility for the position.
Additionally, he sought the nullification of any election conducted without his participation and demanded N100 million in damages for what he described as marginalization.
However, the leadership of his ward in Bonny viewed this legal move as a direct violation of the party’s internal discipline.
The Ward Chairman, Richard Ibani, announced the suspension, stating that the resolution was passed during a committee meeting held on March 16.
The document confirming his removal was signed by the Ward Secretary, Donald Jumbo, and 21 other executive members.
The ward leaders maintained that Dagogo’s actions were an embarrassment to the party and a breach of the APC Constitution 2022 as amended. Specifically, they cited Article 21.2 (I), (II), and (VII), which deal with party discipline and the conduct of members.
In a strongly worded statement, the committee noted that they had previously cautioned members against acts that could ridicule the party.
They stated: “The ward exco has always advised its members to desist from actions capable of ridiculing our party, but your recent actions have shown that you are not willing to respect and abide by the constitution and actions of our great party.”
The suspension is indefinite and took effect immediately.
The ward leadership has also called on the state secretariat to uphold the resolution and apply further necessary actions.