A High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has instructed that a hearing notice be formally served on the All Progressives Congress (APC) after the party failed to appear in court for proceedings related to a refund lawsuit initiated by one of its former aspirants.
The plaintiff, Sunny Moniedafe, a onetime contender for the position of APC Deputy National Chairman (North), is demanding the return of ₦10 million he paid for a nomination form ahead of the party’s 2022 national convention. The lawsuit is registered as FCT/HC/CV/2434/2024.
Moniedafe recounted that he had purchased the form in preparation for the APC National Convention held on March 26, 2022.
However, he said the party leadership, under then-President Muhammadu Buhari, called for a consensus decision that the position would go to a candidate from Borno State, in the North-East zone.
He added that all other aspirants were instructed to withdraw, with assurances that those who complied would be reimbursed.
According to him, “Disappointingly, the leadership of the defendant reneged on its promise and blatantly refused, failed, and neglected to refund the said ₦10 million from March 2022 to the time of filing this case, despite repeated demands by me.”
During Monday’s session, Moniedafe and his legal representative, Okoi Obono-Obla, were both in attendance. However, no one appeared on behalf of the APC, either in person or through legal counsel.
Justice Yusuf Halilu, who is presiding over the case, expressed concern over the party’s non-appearance. “The defendant is not in court and not represented,” the judge observed.
He further noted the absence of proof of service, despite a defence submission already before the court. “I can see no proof of service here,” Justice Halilu said, instructing the registrar to take prompt action by notifying APC’s legal counsel and ensuring they receive all relevant court documents.
In response, Obono-Obla stated, “My lord, we are very diligent. If we are served, we will respond immediately.”
The judge also considered a motion filed by the APC requesting more time to respond. “The application filed by the defendant seeking an extension of time is hereby moved and granted,” Justice Halilu ruled.
He then adjourned the matter to July 15, 2025, for further hearing on whether the APC has been properly served with the hearing notice.