By David Oladimeji
An Abuja-based lawyer and writer, Mr. Tomiwa Olasiyan, has instituted a ₦405 million lawsuit against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its National Chairman over alleged copyright infringement and misrepresentation.
The suit was filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, following the alleged unauthorised use of his article during the buildup to the 2015 general elections.
Olasiyan said he authored the article titled: “Let Buhari Do It This Time” in 2014 and submitted it strictly for publication to the Daily Sun and the Nigerian Tribune.
He alleged that the APC published the same article on its official Facebook page on Dec. 24, 2014, without his consent or approval.
According to the claimant, the party tagged him as “Our Reporter” in the post, thereby creating the false impression that he was a member of, or media aide to, the APC.
He said the publication misrepresented his identity and affiliation, and exposed him to public misunderstanding and reputational harm.
The plaintiff further contended that the unauthorised use of his article conferred political advantage on the APC during the 2015 electioneering campaign.
Olasiyan told the court that he only discovered the alleged infringement in June 2025, almost 10 years after the article was posted.
He maintained that the delay in discovery did not diminish the legal effect of the alleged violation of his intellectual property rights.
In the suit, he is seeking a declaration that he is the lawful owner of the copyright to the article.
He is also asking the court to grant a perpetual injunction restraining the APC and its agents from further using, publishing or distributing the article.
The claimant further demanded a public apology to be published in two national daily newspapers.
He is also claiming ₦400 million as general damages for the alleged infringement and misrepresentation.
In addition, Olasiyan is seeking ₦5 million as the cost of instituting the action.
As at the time of filing this report, the APC had not reacted to the suit, while the case has been adjourned to Dec. 2, 2025, for hearing at Federal High Court 9, Abuja.