By Ayomide Otitoju
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed allegations that it and President Bola Tinubu are involved in the leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), calling the claims baseless and politically motivated.
At a Friday press briefing in Abuja, APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru described the accusations by the Senator David Mark-led ADC faction as a diversion from the party’s internal disputes. He said claims that President Tinubu is attempting to weaken opposition parties to impose a one-party state ahead of the 2027 general election were unfounded and unconstitutional.
“By law, the President has no authority to deregister or interfere in the affairs of any political party or the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” Basiru stated.
He attributed the ADC crisis to internal disagreements and legal missteps rather than external interference, noting that INEC acted in line with a Court of Appeal ruling which dismissed the faction’s appeal and maintained the status quo pending the determination of the substantive case.
“The decision implemented by INEC follows the dismissal of an appeal by Senator Mark and his faction. Where does President Tinubu feature in their claims, if not in fallacious and malicious propaganda?” Basiru queried.
The APC also criticised the ADC faction for proceeding with congresses despite ongoing litigation, describing the move as a disregard for legal processes. On calls to remove INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan, Basiru called the demand reckless and a sign of misunderstanding democratic institutions.
Highlighting the ADC’s poor electoral track record, he described the faction as a “coalition of confusion” and stressed that credible leadership is earned through consistent public trust and electoral performance, not press statements.
Reiterating its stance, the APC urged the ADC faction to resolve its internal challenges rather than making public accusations, warning that continued disregard for court processes could have consequences.
“Blaming other parties will not fix their internal crisis… No outcome of ongoing litigation should be blamed on the APC or the President,” Basiru said.
