APC Firmly Rejects ADC's Allegations Against President Tinubu and INEC
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a strong rebuttal to allegations made by a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which had called for the resignation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman and linked President Bola Tinubu to the party's internal leadership turmoil. Speaking at a detailed press conference held in Abuja, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru categorically described the claims as entirely baseless and a calculated attempt to divert public attention from the ADC's own internal disputes.
Baseless Claims and Constitutional Clarifications
The Mark-led faction of the ADC had previously accused President Tinubu of interfering in opposition politics, suggesting an effort to weaken political parties ahead of the anticipated 2027 general elections. However, the APC has dismissed these assertions as lacking any constitutional foundation or factual basis. Basiru emphasized that the president possesses no legal authority whatsoever to interfere in the operational affairs of political parties or the Independent National Electoral Commission.
"Such claims are not only misleading but also amount to nothing more than political propaganda," Basiru stated firmly. He elaborated that the ongoing crisis within the ADC is a direct result of internal disagreements and unresolved legal issues, rather than any form of external involvement or presidential interference.
Defending INEC's Legally Mandated Actions
The ruling party also came to the defense of INEC's recent actions, clarifying that the electoral body was merely acting in strict accordance with a ruling from the Court of Appeal. This ruling had dismissed an appeal filed by the Mark-led ADC faction and explicitly directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending further legal proceedings.
"The decision being implemented by INEC was a direct consequence of the dismissal of that appeal," Basiru explained. "Where does President Bola Tinubu feature in their claims, if not in fallacious and malicious propaganda designed to obscure their own failures?"
Furthermore, the APC criticized the ADC faction for allegedly ignoring established court processes by continuing with party activities, such as organizing congresses, despite ongoing litigation. This, according to the APC, demonstrates a disregard for legal and democratic norms.
Dismissing Calls for INEC Official Removal
Basiru also dismissed the ADC faction's calls for the removal of INEC officials as reckless and indicative of a fundamental misunderstanding of how democratic institutions should function. He questioned the faction's self-proclaimed status as a strong opposition force, pointing to what he described as poor electoral performance and a significant lack of public trust in their leadership.
Reaffirming its position, the APC urged the opposition group to concentrate its efforts on resolving its profound internal issues rather than making unsubstantiated public accusations against external entities.
"Blaming other political parties will not fix their internal crisis," Basiru concluded. "No amount of external finger-pointing or public theatrics can resolve their lingering and deeply rooted leadership issues. They must look inward for solutions."
