“Check the Constitution!” — APC Chieftain Rejects Suspension, Calls Party Action Unconstitutional

A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Fubara Dagogo, has rejected his suspension from the party, describing the action as unconstitutional and not in line with the party’s laid‑down rules.

Dagogo spoke on Friday amid rising tensions within the Rivers APC, insisting that those behind the disciplinary move failed to follow due process as required by the party’s constitution.

He emphasised that the APC’s own governing principles and constitution must be respected in all disciplinary matters to avoid invalidating actions taken by party officials.

“I don’t think they are talking to me; they are not. But whoever they are talking to, I advise those who want to take such action, as someone who has been in the party and a legacy founding member of the APC, to look into the constitution,” Dagogo said.

The Rivers APC chieftain, who also reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and President Bola Tinubu, noted that he is engaging with key blocs within the party to strengthen unity ahead of future political activities.

“At the moment, I’m addressing key stakeholders from the CPC, the ACN, and the ANPP — those who made the APC what it is today — and encouraging delegates who attended the national convention to support the party fully. It is our home,” he added.

Dagogo’s reaction followed his suspension by the leadership of Ward 4, New Layout in Bonny Local Government Area, where ward executives accused him of anti‑party activities.

The suspension, communicated in a letter dated March 16, 2026 and signed by the ward chairman, Richard Benstowe, and the secretary, Donald Jumbo, alleged that Dagogo’s conduct violated specific provisions of the APC Constitution (2022 as amended), including Article 21.2 (I), (II), and (VII).

In a video circulated online, Benstowe stated that the action followed an emergency meeting resolution by members and leaders of the ward executive.

Dagogo had earlier approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge his exclusion from the South‑South Zonal Congress in Asaba held on March 25, arguing that he met all requirements to contest the position of APC National Vice Chairman (South‑South) after paying ₦5.1 million for the nomination form.

Despite the dispute, Dagogo stated that he would not seek an injunction to halt the APC National Convention in Abuja, preferring to resolve the matter through internal party mechanisms rather than through legal injunction.

Political analysts say the controversy highlights ongoing internal tensions within the APC’s Rivers chapter as stakeholders prepare for future party activities and leadership alignments.