Politics
APC throws weight behind INEC over ADC’s headache
The APC has slammed the ADC over internal disputes, calling their challenges self-inflicted and backing INEC’s ruling against the party.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has fired back at the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the opposition party as “confused and desperate” over recent leadership disputes.
In a Thursday press statement signed by APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, the party described the ADC’s challenges as self-inflicted, resulting from internal factional disputes that led to a court ruling and subsequent action by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“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,” the statement said.
The APC accused the ADC of violating its own constitution and failing to follow proper leadership succession processes when the faction led by Senator David Mark and former governor Rauf Aregbesola assumed control of the party. “By parachuting into the party like thoughtless and planless commandos, and hijacking the party in violent violation of its constitutional stipulations, the ADC set its own date with destiny,” the statement added.
According to the APC, INEC’s decision to derecognize the Mark-led executives is “valid in law, justified in fact, and consistent with electoral policy and democratic practice,” describing the move as a lawful consequence of ADC’s internal mismanagement.
The ruling party also criticized the opposition for repeatedly targeting the APC instead of addressing its internal issues. “It is highly escapist and irresponsible for the ADC to blame the APC for its internal woes of which they are the sole architects,” the statement read.
APC officials further questioned the ADC’s ability to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development, arguing that “a party that cannot fix itself cannot possibly fix Nigeria,” and labeling the party as “bereft of ideas and lost in vain desperation for power.”
Despite the exchange, the APC reaffirmed its commitment to governance under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “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,” the statement concluded.
Member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Aisha Yesufu, has vowed to oppose the second-term ambition of former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, if he becomes president in 2027.
Yesufu made this statement on Monday during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ programme.
According to Yesufu, Peter Obi has given his word not to seek a second term in office and must keep it.
According to the political activist, Peter Obi’s decision for a single term is not a recent remark or tied to the 2027 election, adding he has been saying it even before the 2023 election.Politics
She said, “If Peter Obi gets into office as president and decides to do more than one term, I will oppose him with everything in me because he gave his words, and he has to stick to his words.
“I sat down with Mr Peter Obi and I said to him, I need your word on this. I know you had said it before. I want you to repeat it. Is it true you’re going to do just one term? He said, Aisha, I told you, even in 2023 and I still mean it.
“I sought that clarification because I was going out telling people and putting my name on the line. I don’t joke with my name. I don’t joke with my integrity. And he said he gave his word.
“So, he can’t come back and say that he’s going to do more than one term. We will fight him there. But I know also that he’s someone who keeps his words.”
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has fired back at a remark by presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, insisting that the party will not be intimidated by what it described as “unlawful whistles.”
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Saturday, he said it was not lost as suggested, but rather chose not to heed directives it considered illegitimate.
Bolaji was reacting to an earlier post by Onanuga, who wrote: “Just continue your illegality, the lawless ADC. The dog that wants to get lost in the forest will ignore the hunter’s whistle.”
Responding, the ADC spokesman used a metaphor to counter the criticism.
“The hunter you speak of has no jurisdiction in this forest,” Abdullahi said.
“ADC is not lost; we are simply not following unlawful whistles. Besides, don’t forget, the forest hides that which hunts the hunter,” he said.
He maintained that the party would continue to act within the bounds of the law and would not be deterred by political attacks.
The Lagos Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, says the party has no anointed candidate for any elective position, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ojelabi stated this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos, following the successful conduct of the party’s National Convention, which produced officers across its various organs.
According to him, with the convention concluded, the party’s attention has shifted to the process of selecting candidates for the next general elections.
Ojelabi stressed that all positions are open for contest, adding that the party would not impose candidates on members.
“Now that the convention is over, our main focus is the process of electing the candidates who will fly our party’s flag in the next election.
“I wish to state categorically that all the available positions are open for contest, as the party has no anointed candidate for any seat.
“We, therefore, encourage all members who wish to contest any of the positions to do so in accordance with the law,” he said.
The chairman noted that the exercise would be conducted in line with the timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant electoral laws.
“As usual, this will be done in strict compliance with the INEC timetable and in accordance with the 2026 Electoral Act (as amended) and other laws governing elections,” he said.
Ojelabi disclosed that the party would adopt direct primaries as its primary mode of selecting candidates, while also allowing for consensus arrangements where applicable.
“In line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, the party will adopt direct primaries as the first option for electing our candidates.
“However, consensus arrangements will also be encouraged where possible, provided such agreements are freely reached and popularly accepted by all interests,” he added.
The APC chairman, however, warned that nomination and administrative fees paid by aspirants would not be refunded.
Ojelabi assured members of a level playing field, noting that the party remained committed to internal democracy and transparency.
He added that the party would promote inclusivity by encouraging female participation in the process.
“As a progressive party, we will give all members a level-playing field to contest the positions of their choice in a free, fair and transparent manner.
Read Also: Momodu’s 2027 postulation wild, baseless, says Lagos APC
“Furthermore, in line with our party’s commitment to inclusivity and gender equity, special consideration will be given to popular and influential female aspirants, in relevant constituencies,” he said.
Ojelabi urged members to conduct themselves with discipline and respect, while awaiting official guidelines from the party’s national leadership.
“While we await the official guidelines on the primaries from our national body, we urge all members to conduct themselves with decorum, discipline and mutual respect,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that politicking and struggles for the party tickets for various elective positions had started in the state, ahead of the primary elections.
(NAN)
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