A legal practitioner and public affairs analyst, M. D. Adoga Esq., has challenged the purported suspension of eight members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, describing the action as unlawful and a breach of the party’s constitution.
In a letter dated August 27, 2026, and addressed to the APC Chairman in Lokoja LGA, the lawyer demanded the immediate reversal of the suspension and restoration of the affected members’ rights and privileges.
The affected members are Talba Lakwaja, Assistant Youth Leader; Comrd. Yusuf Bala Namama, Ward C Chairman; Tijani Ibrahim, Ward D Chairman; Ibrahim Shaba Abdullahi, Kupa North Chairman; Isah Mohammed, Kupa North; Alhaji Gambo, Ward A; Mohammed Shehu Abubakar, Publicity Secretary; and Mohammed Yakubu, Assistant Financial Secretary.
The lawyer argued that the suspension was carried out without following due process under the APC Constitution, alleging that the affected members were neither issued queries nor invited before a properly constituted disciplinary committee.
According to him, the action also violated the principle of fair hearing guaranteed under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. He further questioned the jurisdiction of the body that announced the suspension, arguing that the appropriate organ of the party must be involved before disciplinary measures of such nature could validly be imposed.
The lawyer said the suspended members were allegedly being sanctioned for attending a town hall meeting organised by Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District in the National Assembly. He described the gathering as a stakeholder engagement through which the senator interacted with his constituents and gave an account of his stewardship.
“Senator Karimi is still an APC card-carrying member whose current mandate was delivered with the support and efforts of party loyalists, including the suspended members,” the lawyer argued.
He maintained that there was no evidence that the affected members participated in any anti-party activity capable of warranting their suspension.
The legal practitioner cited a number of judicial authorities, including Wike v. PDP, Peretu v. Gariga, Dada v. Sikuade and INEC v. Okoronkwo, arguing that although political parties possess powers to discipline their members, such powers must be exercised in accordance with their constitutions and the principles of natural justice and fair hearing.
He also referred to cases including Uzodinma v. Izunaso and Usman v. Labour Party, arguing that while courts generally exercise restraint in internal political party matters, judicial intervention may arise where a party violates its own constitution or applicable statutory provisions.
The lawyer consequently demanded the immediate withdrawal of the suspension and restoration of all rights, privileges and positions of the affected members. He gave the Lokoja APC leadership 48 hours from the receipt of the letter to comply with the demands.
Failure to do so, he warned, would result in legal action before a court of competent jurisdiction to challenge the suspension and seek appropriate reliefs.
The lawyer, however, urged the party leadership to resolve the matter internally in the interest of peace, unity and stability within the APC.
