The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark of acting illegally by defying court orders and due process.
In a press conference, the APC National Working Committee dismissed allegations by the ADC faction that President Bola Tinubu is weakening opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
The ruling party described the claims as baseless, insisting that Nigeria currently has 19 registered political parties capable of contesting elections. It argued that the President has no constitutional powers to deregister any political party.
According to the APC, the crisis within the ADC stems from internal leadership disputes and procedural errors in court. The party said the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal filed by the David Mark faction and ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the outcome of the case at the Federal High Court.
The APC maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission is only implementing the court’s directive and denied accusations of bias or partisanship.
It warned that the ADC faction’s insistence on proceeding with congresses and conventions despite ongoing litigation raises concerns about its respect for the rule of law.
“The public, defiant posture of Senator David Mark and his factional leadership amounts to illegality,” the APC said, adding that any actions taken in violation of court orders could eventually be nullified.
The party also criticised calls for the removal of the INEC chairman and commissioners, describing them as irresponsible and lacking understanding of constitutional processes.
The APC further argued that leadership of the opposition cannot be claimed through rhetoric but must be earned through electoral credibility and public trust.
It urged the ADC to address its internal crises instead of blaming external forces, noting that political parties must take responsibility for their organisational challenges.
The development marks a deepening political dispute between the ruling party and sections of the opposition as legal battles over party leadership continue.
