APC Dismisses One-Party State Claims, Blames ADC Crisis on Internal Mismanagement

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed allegations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is attempting to undermine the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing the claims as baseless and misleading.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the APC National Secretary, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, accused former Senate President David Mark and his associates of promoting false narratives against the current administration.

Basiru maintained that Nigeria’s democratic space remains vibrant, noting that there are currently 19 registered political parties eligible to participate in the 2027 elections. He emphasized that the President has no constitutional power to deregister political parties or interfere in their internal affairs.

Addressing the leadership crisis within the ADC, Basiru said the dispute stems from internal disagreements among party members rather than any external interference. He was accompanied at the briefing by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.

He further argued that the faction aligned with David Mark mishandled its legal approach by filing an appeal at the Court of Appeal while jurisdictional issues were still pending before the Federal High Court.

According to him, the appellate court dismissed the case on procedural grounds, citing the failure to obtain leave for an interlocutory appeal and the improper pursuit of similar arguments in multiple courts. He added that the court declared the appeal incompetent, imposed a ₦2 million cost against the Mark-led faction, and directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive matter.

Basiru said the outcome reflects procedural errors and poor legal strategy rather than any form of political interference. He urged Nigerians and the international community to disregard what he termed unfounded political claims.

He also rejected assertions that the APC is instigating crises within opposition parties, insisting that such challenges are internally generated.

Basiru cautioned against attempts by the ADC to discredit the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that undermining the electoral body could have negative implications for Nigeria’s democracy. He stressed that INEC plays a central role in supervising political parties and conducting elections.

Turning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Basiru attributed its internal challenges to legal disputes and what he described as poor handling of court processes. He alleged that the party failed to diligently pursue its case at the Federal High Court and instead focused on appeals, thereby prolonging the matter.

He also criticized the PDP for proceeding with congresses and conventions despite unresolved legal issues, adding that such actions disregard ongoing judicial processes. He referenced reports suggesting that former Senate President Bukola Saraki had advised against holding the Ibadan convention, but said party leaders ignored the counsel.

On developments in other opposition parties, including the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Basiru described recent defections and internal disagreements as self-inflicted, rejecting suggestions that the APC or the presidency is responsible.

He reiterated that the APC cannot be responsible for the affairs of other political parties, noting that each party must manage its own internal processes.

Reaffirming the ruling party’s priorities, Basiru said the APC remains committed to strengthening its internal structures and improving its organizational capacity.

He concluded that effective political party management is essential for democratic stability, adding that the APC continues to work towards maintaining a strong and functional party system.