APC Dismisses ADC's Woes Amidst Deepening Leadership Crisis
Abuja, Nigeria – The All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria's ruling party, has responded to the escalating internal turmoil within the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), unequivocally stating that the troubled party is 'the author of its own fate.'
This strong reaction from the APC comes as the ADC grapples with a significant leadership rift that has prompted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to de-recognize a faction led by former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Furthermore, INEC has refused to engage with Nafiu Bala Gombe, who also asserts claims to the party's national chairmanship.
An 'Irregular Takeover' and 'Chaotic Power Grab'
In a series of statements, Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, directly challenged the legitimacy of the ADC's leadership. Morka described the emergence of the Mark and Aregbesola-led faction as an 'irregular takeover' that has irrevocably steered the party towards what he termed 'inevitable disaster.'
Morka minced no words, asserting that this transition was a 'chaotic power grab' executed with 'little regard for the party’s internal rules or the broader legal framework governing political successions in Nigeria.'
He further elaborated, stating, “When its factional leadership under the duo of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola parachuted into the party like thoughtless and planless commandos, and hijacked the party in violent violation of its constitutional stipulations regarding leadership succession, and in disregard of the rule of law, the ADC set its own date with destiny.”
ADC's Accusations and APC's Rebuttal
The ADC had previously accused the President Bola Tinubu-led APC administration of being 'jittery' about its rising profile, despite the APC governing over 30 states. Morka swiftly dismissed these claims.
According to the APC spokesman, the ADC is not only 'an assembly of Nigeria’s most confused and desperate politicians' but also 'distinguished itself as a peddler of rabid conspiracy theories about what the APC is or is not doing to undermine the party.'
Morka went on to characterize the ADC as 'a party that never was,' describing it as a 'kamikaze contraption with a ‘follow-come’ self-destructive detonator. It had to unravel and now unravelling fast by instalment.'
INEC's Decision Valid, ADC 'Unfit'
The APC staunchly defended INEC’s decision to de-recognize the Mark-led faction, aligning it with legal and democratic principles.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC’s decision to de-recognise the factional David Mark-led executives in compliance with judgment of court is valid in law, justified in fact, and consistent with electoral policy and democratic practice. It is the consequence of the Party’s reckless and desperate misadventure,” Morka affirmed.
He labeled the ADC’s attempt to blame the APC for its internal struggles as 'highly escapist and irresponsible,' emphasizing that the opposition party is the 'sole architect' of its misfortunes.
The APC concluded that the ADC's unwillingness to accept responsibility for its 'miserable failure to follow due process, order its internal affairs, and manage its self-inflicted crisis' renders it 'grossly unfit as platform to be taken seriously by Nigerians. A party that cannot fix itself cannot possibly fix Nigeria.'
The ruling party reiterated its commitment to governance, stating, “Our great Party and the administration of President Bola Tinubu remain steadfast in delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda, and strengthening democratic institutions for peace, unity and prosperity of all Nigerians.”