APC Accuses ADC of Misleading Nigerians Amid Deepening Leadership Crisis

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of misleading Nigerians over its ongoing internal crisis, urging the party’s leadership to adhere strictly to due process. The ruling party also rejected allegations linking it and President Bola Tinubu to the turmoil within the opposition party, describing such claims as unfounded and politically motivated.

The APC’s position comes against the backdrop of a protracted leadership dispute within the ADC, which has drawn the attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the courts. With tensions escalating, concerns are mounting over the potential impact of the crisis on the party’s stability and its readiness for future elections.

APC Defends INEC, Rejects Allegations of Interference

The APC, through its National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, strongly defended the actions of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that the commission acted within the bounds of the law. He dismissed calls for the removal of INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, and other commissioners as undemocratic and indicative of a disregard for constitutional procedures.

According to Basiru, INEC’s decision to refrain from recognising any faction within the ADC leadership stems directly from a court directive to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of the case. He argued that such compliance reflects institutional integrity rather than political bias.

He further questioned the basis of claims that President Bola Tinubu or the APC were undermining the opposition, describing the accusations as “fallacious and malicious propaganda.” The APC maintained that the ADC’s predicament is entirely self-inflicted and rooted in internal disagreements.

ADC Leadership Crisis Deepens Amid Legal Battles

The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress dates back to disputes over party structure and tenure, particularly following the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by David Mark in 2025. The transition was reportedly influenced by former chairman Ralph Nwosu, whose tenure had officially ended years earlier, sparking dissent among party members.

The conflict intensified as rival factions began asserting control, leading to multiple court cases and growing uncertainty about the party’s leadership. INEC’s intervention—removing key figures such as Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from recognised positions—was based on judicial orders to preserve the status quo.

Despite ongoing litigation, the Mark-led faction has reportedly continued to challenge both INEC’s stance and the court rulings, raising concerns about adherence to the rule of law. The dispute has also triggered fears that the ADC may struggle to effectively position itself ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Rival Factions Trade Accusations Over Party Control

While the APC insists the crisis is internal, factions within the ADC continue to exchange accusations. The group led by Nafiu Bala has rejected claims that it is being funded by the APC or the presidency, describing such allegations as attempts to undermine its legitimacy.

A senior figure within the faction, Bala Sani, argued that long-standing members of the party are resisting what they perceive as an attempted takeover by newer coalition elements. He maintained that the faction is independently funded and committed to preserving the party’s legacy.

The ongoing exchanges highlight the depth of division within the ADC, with each side seeking to assert legitimacy while discrediting the other. Analysts warn that unless resolved through legal and institutional channels, the crisis could further weaken the party’s cohesion and public confidence.

As the dispute continues, the APC has reiterated its call for the ADC to respect court rulings and institutional processes rather than resort to public accusations. With legal proceedings still underway, the resolution of the crisis remains uncertain, but its implications for Nigeria’s opposition landscape are becoming increasingly significant.