APC Rejects Allegations of Presidential Interference
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly refuted claims by a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accusing President Bola Tinubu of meddling in the party’s internal affairs.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru described the allegations as unfounded and politically motivated. According to him, the claims are merely a distraction from the internal leadership crisis currently plaguing the ADC.
Basiru emphasized that the presidency has no constitutional role in the administration of political parties, dismissing the accusations as “misleading” and lacking any legal merit.
ADC Faction Accuses Tinubu of Undermining Opposition
The controversy stems from accusations made by the Mark-led faction of the ADC, which alleged that President Tinubu is attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the APC has rejected these claims outright, insisting that the crisis within the ADC is self-inflicted and rooted in unresolved internal disputes and legal battles. The ruling party maintains that attributing such issues to external forces is both inaccurate and deceptive.
APC Defends INEC’s Actions Amid Legal Dispute
The APC also rose in defense of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stating that the electoral body acted strictly in compliance with a Court of Appeal ruling.
According to Basiru, the court had dismissed an appeal filed by the ADC faction and instructed all parties to maintain the status quo pending further legal proceedings. He questioned the logic behind linking the president to a judicial outcome.
“The decision being implemented by INEC was as a consequence of the dismissal of an appeal… Where does President Bola Tinubu feature in their claims, if not in fallacious and malicious propaganda?” Basiru said.
The APC further accused the ADC faction of disregarding due process by continuing with activities such as party congresses despite ongoing litigation.
Calls for INEC Chairman’s Removal Described as Reckless
Reacting to calls for the resignation of INEC officials, the APC described such demands as irresponsible and reflective of a poor understanding of democratic institutions.
Basiru criticized the ADC faction’s posture, arguing that their actions undermine the rule of law and the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system. He also questioned their claim to being a formidable opposition, citing what he described as weak electoral performance and limited public confidence.
APC Urges ADC to Resolve Internal Crisis
Reaffirming its stance, the APC advised the ADC faction to focus on resolving its internal leadership disputes instead of making public accusations against other political actors.
“Blaming other parties will not fix their internal crisis… No amount of external finger-pointing can resolve their lingering leadership issues,” he said.
The ruling party concluded that sustainable political credibility can only be achieved through internal cohesion, adherence to legal processes, and respect for democratic principles.
