There is growing tension among All Progressive Congress (APC) faithfuls, newly consensus delegates, and executives in Bayelsa State as the Federal High Court in Abuja prepares to begin proceedings in a lawsuit challenging the consensus emergence of Walman Ogoriba as the party's chairman.
Legal Action Filed by Party Chieftain
A founding member and chieftain of the party in the state, Dr. Godwin Dressman Sidi, has taken legal action against the state executive led by Ogoriba. Dr. Sidi filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja challenging what he described as undemocratic conduct during the APC state congress held on March 3, 2026, at the Dr. Gabriel Okara Cultural Center in Yenagoa.
Allegations of Rights Violation
The plaintiff is seeking redress over what he termed a violation of his fundamental rights in the conduct of the congress that produced the current state executive. He noted that there is an existing case before the same court concerning the process that led to the emergence of the Ogoriba-led executive, which he described as unlawful.
Dr. Sidi has advised aspirants preparing for the party's forthcoming primaries to take note of the pending court matter, warning that it could affect the exercise scheduled for May 2026. He further maintained that any election conducted under the current leadership pending the court's decision would be null and void.
Defendants Named in the Suit
Those listed as defendants in the suit include the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressive Congress (APC), Warman Ogoriba, the Bayelsa State Party Executive Congress Committee, the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Netawali Yelawatade, the party's National Organizing Secretary, as well as the National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, and the Directorate of Organization of the party.
Dr. Sidi has mentioned a pending lawsuit in the Federal High Court, Abuja, regarding what he perceives as undemocratic behavior at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Center in Yenagoa. The lawsuit, with reference number FHC/ABJ/CS/485/2026, challenges the conduct of the congresses that resulted in the selection of the Ogoriba-led State Exco in the state.
