By DAYO ADESULU
Sunny Moniedafe Leads Legal Action for Reimbursement of Expression of Interest Fees
A lawsuit filed by Sunny Moniedafe, an aspirant from the March 26, 2022 National Convention, against the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) commenced today at the Federal High Court in Wuse, Abuja. Moniedafe seeks to recoup the funds he paid for expression of interest and nomination forms while vying for a position on the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Background of the Legal Dispute
The lawsuit arises from the party’s failure to refund the nomination fees, despite a directive from former President Muhammadu Buhari to reimburse aspirants who stepped down for Senator Abdullahi Adamu and other NWC members. Moniedafe, who is leading the charge alongside other aggrieved aspirants, expressed his frustration over the party’s inaction.
“We have tried our best to resolve this matter privately,” Moniedafe stated. “Despite multiple visits and pleas to the current leadership of the party, we have received no response. We felt compelled to take legal action to ensure our voices are heard.”
The Financial Burden on Aspirants
The lawsuit highlights the financial strain on the 107 aspirants who participated in the NWC elections, each of whom paid between N20 million and N25 million for their forms. The APC reportedly generated over N700 million from these fees, along with an additional N3 billion from stakeholders in the lead-up to the presidential primary. However, many of these aspirants claim they have yet to receive any reimbursement for their investments.
Moniedafe recalled that promises were made to refund the fees, yet two years later, they remain unfulfilled. “We are left wondering what example the ruling party is setting by not fulfilling its commitments,” he added.
Party Leadership’s Response
The APC has acknowledged the ongoing situation, with National Deputy Organising Secretary Nze Chidi Duru confirming that the party is aware of the delay in payment. He stated that the party would wait for the court to adjudicate the matter, emphasizing that any grievances should be legally addressed.
In a previous assurance, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, indicated that the party was actively addressing the issue and would resolve it soon. However, attempts to reach both Morka and the National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, for further comments were unsuccessful as their lines were unreachable.
Voices of Discontent Among Aspirants
Former Communications Minister Adebayo Shittu, who also participated in the lawsuit, described the APC’s refusal to refund the fees as “immoral.” Shittu expressed his disappointment with the party, stating, “This has been a recurring issue within the APC. When I was asked to step down for other candidates, I expected to be refunded for my nomination fees. It is simply not right.”
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability
The unfolding legal battle reflects broader concerns about accountability within the ruling party and the treatment of its members. As the court proceedings begin, the outcome could set a precedent for how the APC handles similar disputes in the future. The aggrieved aspirants hope that their legal action will compel the party to honor its commitments and provide clarity on its policies regarding nomination fee refunds.
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