Politics
Lagos APC blasts INEC for recognizing ADC new leadership
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…congratulates party
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has extended formal congratulations to the newly recognised leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the pronouncement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), even as it voiced concerns over what it described as the questionable processes behind the ADC’s internal transition.
In a statement on Friday, signed by the Lagos APC spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, the party welcomed INEC’s endorsement of the David Mark-led ADC executive but criticised the legitimacy of the process that led to their emergence.
The APC affirmed its respect for the authority of INEC and the rule of law, expressing hope that the ADC’s new leadership would uphold democratic principles moving forward.
“While we acknowledge this formal recognition, we cannot overlook the many pitfalls, questionable processes, and undeniable undemocratic underhand tactics that trailed its emergence. In truth, what INEC has done is to place a legal stamp on a house built on sand.
“That said, the APC believes in the supremacy of the rule of law and the authority of INEC in regulating party affairs. It is in this spirit that we extend our congratulations to the ADC leadership, hoping that this legitimacy will inspire them to build structures anchored on transparency and principle, rather than manipulation, propaganda, and excuses,” the statement read.
INEC had earlier in the week formally recognised David Mark as National Chairman of the ADC, alongside other principal officers, including former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary and former Edo State Governor, Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, as National Legal Adviser.
The recognition followed a period of internal restructuring aimed at repositioning the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the APC issued a strong warning to the ADC and other opposition parties over what it described as “premature campaigns,” cautioning that the rules governing the electoral cycle must be respected.
“We urge the ADC, its leadership, and indeed all opposition parties, to take seriously the clear warning from INEC on premature campaigns. The 2027 elections are still far ahead, and the rules governing campaigns are unambiguous.
“To jump the gun not only undermines fair competition but also exposes a party’s desperation and disregard for law and order,” APC warned.
The party accused the ADC of favouring propaganda over substance and urged it to play the role of a credible opposition by offering policy alternatives rather than making “empty noise.”
The APC noted that it remains fully committed to fair play, law, and democratic order, dismissing the ADC’s electoral viability, urging the party to first prove its relevance at the grassroots level.
“The Lagos APC further charges the seemingly rebranded ADC to be prepared to add value to our democracy by playing the role of a credible opposition that offers realistic policy alternatives, rather than indulging in bitter rhetoric that adds no value to governance or the lives of Nigerians.
“While the APC builds roads, rails, power infrastructure and economic reforms that create a future, the ADC builds excuses, issues press statements, and thrives on empty noise. Nigerians deserve better from any party that claims to be a national platform.
“The APC, not only as the ruling party, but also as the largest and the party of choice in Nigeria, remains the biggest stakeholder as regards the maintenance of peace and stability of the nation. In this regard, we advise the ADC and other opposition parties not to unnecessarily heat up the polity by their premature electioneering campaigns,” APC added.
The vice presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Rabiu Kwankwaso on Sunday met with the National Leader of the party, Seriake Dickson over the recent court ruling on the party’s registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Gistcore recalls that the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Friday vacated its December 10, 2025 judgment which compelled the electoral body to register the NDC as a political party.
In the ruling delivered in suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025, Justice Isah Dashen held that the earlier judgment was delivered without hearing all necessary parties, making the proceedings constitutionally defective.
The court’s decision followed an application by the Peace Movement Party, which argued that it had a legal interest in the matter and should have been joined in the suit before judgment was delivered.
The decision of the court has been raising dust as opposition parties accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of plotting to manipulate the judiciary.
In a post on his official Facebook page on Sunday, Senator Dickson confirmed the meeting with Kwankwaso, saying that they “discussed issues of mutual interest concerning our party”.
The NDC leader stated that himself and other leaders of the party have resolved to reject alleged one-party democracy.
“We reaffirmed our resolve to stand together in the fight for multi-party democracy, and I briefed him on the measures the party is taking to correct and redress the distractions occasioned by the anomalous ruling of the Federal High Court. We are on course,” he added.
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has advised President Bola Bola Tinubu to emulate former presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, saying they never deregistered opposition political parties.
Atiku made the call on Saturday in reaction to an attempt to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, through the courts.
The former Vice President said attempts to restrict political competition run contrary to democratic principles and could erode public confidence in the electoral process.
Former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari never deregistered opposition political parties. Copy and learn from them.
“If you’re truly popular and your policies have positively bettered the lives of the citizens, you shouldn’t be afraid of a free and fair competition,” Atiku said.
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has raised concerns over plans by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to establish state police through a constitutional amendment.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the opposition party said the Tinubu administration’s credibility and competence were at an unprecedented low in Nigeria’s democratic history.
The party acknowledged the need for a major review and overhaul of Nigeria’s security, law and order institutions to address insecurity and strengthen citizens’ confidence in leaders and critical institutions.
However, it argued that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration lacked the moral standing and public trust required to undertake a major restructuring of the country’s policing system.
“Going by precedent and record, this administration will almost certainly secure what is needed to amend the constitution and actualize its desire to establish State Police,” the statement said.
“While Nigeria needs major review and overhaul of its security and law and order institutions to address national security and create an environment that should raise citizens’ confidence and faith in leaders and critical institutions, this administration lacks the moral assets and the trust of Nigerians to undertake a major shift in the policing structure of the country.
“The APC administration has failed to manage our security structure and institutions. Its plan to engineer the emergence of State Police is suspicious and it should be rejected.”
The PRP said the forthcoming election should serve as a test of credibility and popular acceptance before the country takes decisions on major issues such as the creation of state police.
It also urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure citizens and bring an end to the insecurity facing the country.
President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday transmitted to the Senate a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide for the establishment of state police services across the federation. The upper chamber passed the bill on Wednesday.
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