The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fired back at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over allegations that it is behind the party’s ongoing leadership crisis, describing the claims as baseless and misleading, ENigeria Newspaper has learnt.
The ADC had accused the APC of influencing the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to suspend recognition of all leadership factions within the party following a Court of Appeal ruling and ongoing litigation.
Responding in a strongly worded statement as seen by ENigeria Newspaper, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, dismissed the accusation, describing the ADC as a party that fails to take up responsibility of their own but instead choose to blame others of their own problems.
“It would be highly escapist and irresponsible for the ADC to blame the APC for its internal crisis,” said Felix Morka.
Felix Morka described the ADC as “an assembly of Nigeria’s most confused and desperate politicians.”
“Quite apart from being an assembly of Nigeria’s most confused and desperate politicians, the ADC has distinguished itself as a peddler of rabid conspiracy theories about what the APC is or is not doing to undermine it,” Morka said.
He further described the opposition party as one plagued by internal contradictions, calling it a “kamikaze contraption” and “a party that never was.”
According to him, the crisis within the ADC worsened following the emergence of a faction led by former Senate President David Mark and former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, which he alleged occurred “in violent violation” of the party’s constitution and the rule of law.
The APC also backed INEC’s decision to suspend recognition of all factions, insisting that the commission acted within the bounds of the law. Morka described the move as “valid in law, justified in fact, and consistent with electoral policy and democratic practice.”
Morka further argued that the ADC’s inability to resolve its internal disputes shows it is “grossly unfit as a platform to be taken seriously by Nigerians,” warning that “a party that cannot fix itself cannot possibly fix Nigeria.”
The APC is dedicated to carrying out its mission and bolstering democratic institutions, he continued, adding that the ruling party is still focused on governance under President Bola Tinubu.
The ADC’s problem began in July 2025 with the departure of Ralph Nwosu’s previous leadership and the formation of a new National Working Committee headed by David Mark.
A rival group led by Nafiu Bala contested the development in court, claiming that he ought to take over as leader in accordance with the party’s charter. Later, both groups made opposing claims to INEC, which caused the commission to withdraw until the case was resolved.
INEC deleted the names of Mark’s leadership from its records and refused to acknowledge any group until the issue was settled in response to a Court of Appeal order to preserve the status quo ante bellum.
The APC argued that the ADC’s “senseless attacks” remain its primary distinguishing characteristic, accusing the party of being “bereft of ideas and lost in vain desperation for power,” despite drawing prominent political heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Recall that the ADC has challenged INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal’s decision, claiming that the electoral body responded under pressure from a government that was terrified of the opposition’s momentum despite its attempts to dismantle all opposition parties and impose one-party control on Nigeria.
The party warned that the commission has essentially sided with the government against Nigerians and called INEC’s stance confusing and inconsistent with the facts. It insisted that INEC would publicly clarify these concerns.
Despite the Independent National Electoral Commission’s stance on the party’s leadership issue, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has maintained that the party will proceed with its scheduled congresses and national convention.
National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi stated during an appearance on Thursday that the party had already provided INEC with the necessary 21-day notice for the activities and that the process will go regardless of the commission’s involvement.
