The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations linking it and President Bola Tinubu to the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the claims as unfounded and politically motivated.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, dismissed accusations made by a faction of the ADC led by David Mark. He said the opposition group’s claims that the President is orchestrating instability within political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections lack both evidence and constitutional backing.
Basiru stressed that under Nigeria’s Constitution, the President has no authority to interfere in the affairs of political parties or the operations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He added that assertions suggesting an attempt to impose a one-party system are misleading and aimed at diverting attention from internal disputes within the ADC.
According to the APC, the ongoing crisis in the ADC is the result of internal disagreements and procedural errors, not external interference. The party also defended INEC’s actions, noting that the electoral body acted in line with a ruling of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed an appeal filed by the Mark-led faction on grounds of incompetence and directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending further legal proceedings.
Basiru questioned the basis of linking President Tinubu to the matter, describing such claims as “propaganda” lacking merit. He further accused the ADC faction of disregarding due process by pushing ahead with party congresses and conventions despite pending litigation.
Reacting to calls by the ADC faction for the resignation of INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan, the APC described the demand as irresponsible and reflective of a poor understanding of democratic governance. Basiru argued that such calls undermine institutional stability and due process.
The ruling party also downplayed the political strength of the ADC faction, citing its recent electoral performance. It described the group as disorganised and lacking the credibility required to position itself as a viable opposition force.
Reiterating its stance, the APC urged the ADC to focus on resolving its internal issues rather than making public accusations. The party warned that the outcome of ongoing legal battles should not be attributed to external actors, insisting that lasting solutions can only come from within the opposition party itself.
