The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark, describing them as baseless and misleading.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, the APC said the claims by the faction—presented at a separate briefing on April 2—were “deliberate mischief and propaganda” aimed at misleading Nigerians and the international community.
The party specifically faulted allegations that President Bola Tinubu was weakening opposition parties to pave the way for a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general elections. It argued that Nigeria currently has 19 registered political parties and noted that the President lacks the constitutional authority to deregister any political party.
The APC attributed the crisis within the ADC to internal leadership disputes, which it said were worsened by what it described as procedural errors by the David Mark-led faction in court. According to the ruling party, the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal filed by the faction and ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case at the Federal High Court.
It maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission acted in compliance with the court’s directive, rejecting claims that the electoral body misinterpreted the ruling or acted with bias.
The APC further criticised the faction for accusing INEC of partisanship and calling for the removal of its chairman and commissioners, describing such demands as reckless and indicative of a poor understanding of constitutional processes.
On the insistence by the faction to proceed with party congresses and other activities despite ongoing litigation, the APC said such actions amounted to defiance of court orders and disregard for the rule of law. It warned that any steps taken in violation of judicial directives could ultimately be declared null and void.
The ruling party also questioned the political relevance of the self-described opposition coalition, stating that leadership of the opposition must be earned through electoral performance rather than declarations at press conferences.
It urged the ADC to resolve its internal challenges instead of blaming external forces, recalling that political parties have previously suffered setbacks due to unresolved crises without attributing blame to others.
A statement following the press conference signed by the APC National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, reiterated the party’s position that the allegations against President Tinubu and INEC were unfounded.
