The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has backed the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to de-recognise the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as lawful and consistent with electoral policy and democratic practice.
On Wednesday, INEC announced the removal of the names of ADC National Chairman, David Mark, and National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, among others from its portal, citing pending litigation.
In immediate reaction, the ADC rejected INEC’s interpretation of the Court of Appeal ruling on the party’s leadership dispute, alleging that the APC-led government was working to weaken opposition parties and impose a one-party system.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, April 2, APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, accused the ADC of spreading conspiracy theories and deflecting from what he described as self-inflicted internal crisis.
He described the opposition party as “an assembly of the most confused, desperate and power-hungry politicians” responsible for its own political challenges.
The ruling party further claimed that the ADC lacked structural integrity from inception and was always destined to implode.
“The ADC is a party that never was. By design, it was a self-destructive contraption,” the statement said. “It had to unravel and is now unravelling rapidly.”
The APC also criticised the ADC’s factional leadership under David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, accusing them of hijacking the party in violation of its constitution and due process.
According to the party, the emergence of Mark and Aregbesola triggered the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, culminating in INEC’s decision to de-recognise the faction.
“The decision to de-recognise the factional executives is valid in law, justified in fact, and consistent with electoral policy and democratic practice,” the APC stated, insisting that the development was a direct consequence of the ADC’s “reckless and desperate misadventure.”
“It is therefore irresponsible for the ADC to blame the APC for its internal woes, of which it is the sole architect,” the statement added.
Further questioning the ADC’s viability as a political alternative, the APC argued that a party unable to manage its internal affairs cannot be trusted with national leadership.
“A party that cannot fix itself cannot fix Nigeria,” it stated, accusing the ADC of being “bereft of ideas and lost in desperation for power.”
The APC also alleged that the ADC’s primary political activity has been attacking the ruling party rather than presenting policy alternatives.
“Attacking the APC appears to be its central focus,” the statement said.
The party maintained that the administration of Pres. Bola Tinubu remains focused on delivering its Renewed Hope Agenda and strengthening democratic institutions for the peace, unity, and prosperity of Nigerians.
