APC Dismisses One-Party State Allegation, Insists ADC Crises Self-Inflicted
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly rejected claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working to undermine the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition parties in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. The ruling party insists that such allegations are unfounded and misleading, emphasizing Nigeria's robust democratic framework.
APC National Secretary Addresses Press in Abuja
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, APC National Secretary, Senator Dr. Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, accused former Senate President David Mark and his associates of spreading false narratives about the administration's intentions. Basiru maintained that Nigeria's democratic space remains open and vibrant, noting that the country currently has 19 registered political parties eligible to participate in the 2027 elections.
He stressed that President Tinubu lacks the constitutional authority to deregister political parties or interfere in their internal affairs, underscoring the separation of powers and the independence of electoral processes.
ADC Leadership Crisis Attributed to Internal Disagreements
Addressing the ongoing leadership crisis within the ADC, Basiru attributed the dispute to internal disagreements among its members rather than any external interference. Flanked by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Felix Morka, he detailed how the faction aligned with David Mark mishandled its legal challenge.
According to Basiru, this faction approached the Court of Appeal while jurisdictional issues were still pending at the Federal High Court, leading to procedural failures. The appellate court dismissed the appeal on grounds of incompetence, citing a failure to obtain leave for an interlocutory appeal and the pursuit of similar arguments in parallel courts.
The court awarded ₦2 million in costs against the David Mark-led faction and ordered parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive case. "The development clearly reflects procedural lapses and poor legal strategy, not interference from the APC or the presidency," Basiru said.
APC Urges Disregard for Unserious Political Narratives
Basiru urged Nigerians and the international community to disregard what he described as "unserious political narratives." He dismissed claims that the ruling party is fueling crises within opposition parties, insisting that such challenges are self-inflicted and stem from internal mismanagement.
He also cautioned against attempts to undermine the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the ADC, warning that doing so could weaken the country's democratic process. "INEC supervises political parties and conducts elections. If you undermine INEC, you are undermining democracy itself," he emphasized.
Analysis of PDP and Other Opposition Party Crises
Turning to the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Basiru traced the problem to internal legal disputes and mismanagement of court processes. He alleged that the PDP failed to diligently pursue its case at the Federal High Court and instead focused on appeals, which delayed the resolution of the matter.
Basiru further accused the PDP of disregarding ongoing legal proceedings by proceeding with congresses and conventions despite unresolved court issues. He referenced advice reportedly given by former Senate President Bukola Saraki against holding the Ibadan convention, noting that party leaders ignored such counsel.
On developments in other opposition parties, including the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), he described defections and internal disagreements as self-inflicted, questioning attempts to link them to the APC or the presidency. "We cannot act as national secretary for APC, PDP, NNPP or any other party. Our duty is to our party," he stated.
APC Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Internal Structures
Reaffirming the ruling party's focus, Basiru said the APC remains committed to strengthening its internal structures and governance capacity. "Political party management is a serious matter. That is why we work day and night to ensure our party remains strong and functional," he added, highlighting the APC's dedication to maintaining a robust political framework in Nigeria.
This stance comes amid ongoing political tensions as the 2027 elections approach, with the APC positioning itself as a party focused on internal stability rather than external interference in opposition affairs.
