APC Rejects ADC Claims, Says Tinubu Not Responsible for Party’s Legal Troubles

APC Rejects ADC Claims, Says Tinubu Not Responsible for Party’s Legal Troubles

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has fired back at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) faction led by David Mark, dismissing allegations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections as “puerile propaganda” and “deliberate mischief.”

At a press conference in Abuja, APC’s National Working Committee (NWC), through National Secretary Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru and National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, described the ADC’s criticisms as the desperate gasps of a party struggling with self-inflicted legal crises.

Addressing claims that the Presidency is stifling opposition, Basiru emphasised that President Tinubu is a democrat who respects the multi-party system. He noted that Nigeria currently has 19 registered political parties capable of contesting the 2027 elections, and stressed that Tinubu has no authority to deregister any party.

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The APC explained that the ADC’s problems are the result of an internal leadership dispute. The Court of Appeal dismissed Mark’s appeal as “unmeritorious” and “procedurally flawed,” ordering all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum regarding the leadership of the ADC. The APC said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was simply complying with the court order by withdrawing recognition of the Mark-led faction.

Basiru and Morka argued that blaming President Tinubu for the ADC’s challenges is fallacious and malicious propaganda. They also slammed the ADC’s call for the sacking of INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan and other commissioners, calling it preposterous and reckless.

The APC further warned that proceeding with congresses and national conventions while litigation is ongoing could encourage disorder. Basiru noted that internal party disputes have consequences, citing the APC’s own Zamfara State crisis, where the party lost previously won seats due to unresolved internal issues.

Describing the David Mark-led ADC as a “contraption of electoral unviability,” the ruling party reaffirmed its focus on governance and urged opposition parties to prioritise internal cohesion and legal compliance over public finger-pointing.

Political analysts say the clash reflects the broader struggle within Nigeria’s opposition parties and underscores the importance of internal democracy and legal compliance for political credibility ahead of the 2027 elections.

APC Rejects ADC Claims, Says Tinubu Not Responsible for Party’s Legal Troubles