ADC had accused the APC of being behind INEC's decision on Wednesday to suspend recognition of all leadership factions of the ADC following a Court of Appeal ruling and ongoing litigation over the party's leadership.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that it is plotting to undermine the party, describing the opposition as "an assembly of Nigeria's most confused and desperate politicians."
In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party said the ADC is reaping the consequences of its own "reckless and desperate misadventure," amid ongoing litigation and a leadership crisis within the party.
"Quite apart from being an assembly of Nigeria's most confused and desperate politicians, the ADC has distinguished itself as a peddler of rabid conspiracy theories about what the APC is or is not doing to undermine it," Mr Morka said.
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He described the ADC as a party "that never was," calling it a "kamikaze contraption" with a self-destructive design.
According to the APC spokesperson, the crisis escalated when former Senate President David Mark and former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola allegedly hijacked the ADC leadership "in violent violation" of the ADC constitution and the rule of law.
The APC's response follows the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) decision to suspend the recognition of all leadership factions of the ADC.
The move came after the Court of Appeal directed the warring factions to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a substantive suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
INEC's spokesperson, Mohammed Haruna, confirmed the commission will not engage with either faction until a court ruling is delivered, citing conflicting communications from both camps requesting recognition.
Mr Morka commended INEC's action, saying it is "valid in law, justified in fact, and consistent with electoral policy and democratic practice."
He added that it would be "highly escapist and irresponsible" for the ADC to blame the APC for its internal crisis, insisting the party alone is responsible for its woes.
Mr Morka stressed that the ADC's inability to manage its internal affairs demonstrates it is "grossly unfit as a platform to be taken seriously by Nigerians," warning that a party that cannot fix itself "cannot possibly fix Nigeria."
He also insisted that the APC, under President Bola Tinubu, remains focused on delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda and strengthening democratic institutions for the peace, unity, and prosperity of all Nigerians.
ADC leadership crisis
The ADC's internal crisis dates back to the resignations of its former executives, led by Ralph Nwosu, and the subsequent emergence of a new National Working Committee led by David Mark on 29 July 2025.
Nafiu Bala, a former vice-national chairperson, challenged the arrangement at the Federal High Court, asserting he should assume leadership under the party's constitution.
On 16 March, INEC received letters from both factions. Mr Mark's group, represented by Suleiman Usman SAN & Co, asked the commission not to recognise Mr Bala as chairperson, citing the pending suit.
Meanwhile, Mr Bala's faction, represented by Summit Law Chambers, requested enforcement of a 12 March Court of Appeal ruling.
The appellate court had dismissed Mr Mark's interlocutory appeal and ordered all parties, including INEC, to maintain the "status quo ante bellum," prohibiting actions that could undermine court proceedings.
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The court also called for accelerated hearings due to the 2027 election timetable.
Following this, INEC removed the names of Mr Mark's NWC from its portal and declined to recognise Mr Bala as acting national chairman, pending the court's final decision.
The ADC, now positioning itself as a major opposition force, has attracted political heavyweights, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Senate President David Mark, alongside former ministers such as Bolaji Abdullahi and Rauf Aregbesola.
Despite this, the APC maintains that the ADC's "senseless attacks" against it are the party's only defining feature, accusing it of being "bereft of ideas and lost in vain desperation for power."
