The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed allegations 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, through its National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, accused the ADC faction of engaging in “deliberate mischief and propaganda” following remarks made at a separate press briefing held on 2 April 2026.
The APC said the claims, ranging from accusations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is weakening opposition parties to force a one-party state, to allegations of partisanship by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), were unfounded and aimed at distorting public perception.
According to the ruling party, Nigeria currently has 19 registered political parties capable of contesting the 2027 general elections, stressing that the President lacks the constitutional powers to deregister any political party.
The party attributed the ADC’s internal crisis to what it described as an “untidy leadership tussle,” which has resulted in ongoing litigation at the Federal High Court.
It noted that the Court of Appeal had dismissed an appeal filed by the David Mark faction, describing it as procedurally flawed and premature.
The APC explained that the appellate court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit, a directive it said INEC is merely implementing.
“It is therefore fallacious to suggest that the President or the ruling party is responsible for the ADC’s predicament,” the statement said, adding that any grievances regarding INEC’s actions should be addressed through legal channels.
The party further criticized the ADC faction for what it described as defiance of court orders, particularly its insistence on proceeding with planned congresses and conventions despite pending litigation.
Such actions, the APC argued, demonstrate a disregard for the rule of law and democratic principles.
The ruling party also faulted calls by the ADC faction for the removal of the INEC Chairman and commissioners, describing the demand as unrealistic and indicative of a lack of understanding of constitutional processes.
The APC maintained that leadership in a democratic system is earned through electoral credibility rather than public statements, noting that the ADC-led coalition has failed to demonstrate significant electoral strength in recent outings.
It urged the opposition party to resolve its internal disputes instead of blaming external actors, citing past instances where political parties suffered setbacks due to unresolved internal crises.
The APC reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law, while cautioning against what it described as attempts to undermine public trust in key institutions.
