The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark, describing them as “baseless” and “misleading.”
At a press conference held on April 3, 2026, the APC, through its National Secretary, Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, said the claims by the ADC faction were an attempt to misinform Nigerians and the international community about the state of the country’s democracy.
The ADC faction had earlier alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was working to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections and push Nigeria toward a one-party state. They also accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of bias, unlawful actions, and contempt of court, calling for the removal of its leadership.
APC Counters Claims on Democracy
Responding to the allegations, the APC maintained that Nigeria’s multiparty system remains intact, noting that 19 registered political parties are eligible to contest elections. The party argued that the president has no constitutional authority to deregister political parties.
According to the APC, the leadership crisis within the ADC is self-inflicted, stemming from internal disputes that have resulted in ongoing litigation. The party said the Court of Appeal had dismissed an appeal filed by the David Mark faction and ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the case at the Federal High Court.
INEC Acting Within the Law, APC Says
The ruling party defended INEC’s actions, stating that the commission’s decision not to recognize any faction of the ADC leadership was in compliance with the court’s directive. It advised the aggrieved faction to seek legal redress rather than resort to public accusations.
The APC also criticized the ADC faction’s call for the removal of INEC’s chairman and commissioners, describing it as a misunderstanding of constitutional processes and institutional governance.
Warning Against Defiance of Court Orders
The APC expressed concern over the ADC faction’s insistence on proceeding with planned party congresses and conventions despite ongoing court proceedings. It described such actions as a disregard for the rule of law and warned that any steps taken in defiance of court orders could be declared null and void.
The party further argued that leadership of the opposition cannot be claimed through rhetoric but must be earned through electoral performance, claiming that the ADC faction has failed to demonstrate significant public support in recent elections.
Call for Internal Resolution
Concluding, the APC urged the ADC to address its internal challenges rather than blaming external forces. It cited past political precedents, including internal crises in other parties, as evidence that unresolved disputes often lead to legal and electoral setbacks.
The statement reaffirmed the APC’s confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and dismissed suggestions of any threat to democracy as unfounded.
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