The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly rejected accusations made by a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that neither the ruling party nor President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has any involvement in the opposition party’s leadership troubles.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, described the allegations as unfounded and politically motivated.
He said claims that President Tinubu is orchestrating instability within opposition parties as part of a plan to create a one-party system ahead of the 2027 elections are entirely without merit.
According to Basiru, the Nigerian Constitution does not grant the President authority to interfere in the affairs of political parties or direct the operations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He maintained that the crisis currently affecting the ADC is purely the result of internal disagreements and legal complications within the party.
The APC also defended INEC’s actions in the matter, stating that the commission merely acted in line with the ruling of the Court of Appeal.
Basiru explained that the appellate court had dismissed the appeal filed by Senator David Mark’s faction on grounds of incompetence and ordered all parties involved to preserve the existing situation pending the final determination of the substantive case.
He questioned attempts to link the President to the matter, describing such claims as deliberate misinformation aimed at misleading the public.
The ruling party further criticised the ADC faction for allegedly moving ahead with party congresses and conventions despite pending court proceedings, saying such actions raise questions about the group’s commitment to due legal process.
On the opposition’s call for the removal of INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan, the APC described the demand as irresponsible and lacking an appreciation of how democratic institutions function.
Basiru said the call reflects poor understanding of governance and leadership structures, stressing that appointments and removals in such institutions must follow constitutional procedures.
The APC also dismissed assertions by the ADC faction that it represents a strong opposition force, pointing to its recent electoral outings as evidence to the contrary.
He described the group as disorganised and lacking the political credibility required to claim leadership of the opposition.
According to him, true opposition leadership is built through public confidence, electoral consistency, and grassroots support, not through media statements.
The party urged the ADC to focus on resolving its internal divisions instead of making accusations against the APC and the presidency.
Basiru warned that the outcome of any ongoing legal battle should not be blamed on external forces, insisting that the ADC must take responsibility for its own challenges.
He concluded by advising the opposition faction to “look inward” and stop shifting blame.