By Our Correspondent
National News – The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by David Mark, to adhere to due process and stop misleading Nigerians regarding its ongoing leadership crisis.
APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, spoke in Abuja on Friday, dismissing calls for the removal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, and other INEC commissioners.
Basiru emphasized that such calls violate democratic principles and the constitutional framework guiding the electoral body.
INEC had recently removed key ADC leaders, including David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, following a court directive to maintain the status quo pending the outcome of a legal dispute.
The ADC crisis began in 2025 after disagreements over the tenure of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, officially ending in 2022.
The dispute intensified when rival factions claimed leadership, raising concerns about the party’s readiness for the 2027 general elections.
Basiru clarified that President Bola Tinubu and APC were not responsible for the ADC’s challenges, calling the situation self-inflicted.
He explained that the court’s ruling and INEC’s compliance made external blame “fallacious and malicious propaganda.”
He further urged ADC leaders to seek legal redress if they disagree with INEC’s interpretation, rather than resorting to defiance.
Basiru warned that bypassing court orders and holding unauthorized congresses demonstrates a disregard for due process and the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the ADC faction led by Nafiu Bala denied allegations of being funded by APC or the Presidency.
Bala’s Chief of Staff, Bala Sani, stressed that their faction represents the party’s legacy members and has independently managed the ADC for over 20 years, rejecting claims of external support.
The ongoing ADC leadership dispute highlights internal party conflicts and legal complexities that may influence Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
