The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the David Mark-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to respect legal procedures and stop spreading misleading information about the party’s ongoing leadership dispute.
APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, made the remarks while speaking to journalists on Friday, dismissing recent demands for the removal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Professor Amupitan Joash, and other commissioners.
He described such calls as undemocratic and a blatant violation of constitutional processes governing the electoral body.
The controversy follows INEC’s announcement on Wednesday that it would withdraw recognition of prominent ADC officials, including National Chairman David Mark and National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, until judicial proceedings are concluded.
According to INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, the action is in compliance with a court directive to maintain the status quo pending a final ruling.
The ADC has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since 2025 after a new National Working Committee, led by Mark, emerged in July of that year.
The dispute traces back to disagreements over the tenure of former National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, whose term officially ended in August 2022.
Despite this, Nwosu played a role in the 2025 leadership transition, sparking resistance from certain factions within the party.
Mark and ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi have accused the APC and President Bola Tinubu of orchestrating their current predicament.
Responding, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka rejected these claims, insisting that INEC’s decision is legally grounded and consistent with electoral laws and democratic norms.
Basiru clarified that Tinubu has no power to deregister any political party and that 19 registered parties remain eligible for the 2027 elections.
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He said the leadership dispute in the ADC arose from the “untidy manner” in which the Mark-led faction assumed control without consulting all stakeholders, leading to litigation before the Federal High Court and an adverse judgment by the Court of Appeal.
“The predicament of David Mark and his faction stems from the untidy manner in which they assumed leadership of an existing political party without consulting all stakeholders, resulting in litigation before the Federal High Court and an adverse judgment by the Court of Appeal.
INEC’s decision to withhold recognition of any contending party leadership pending court determination is legally grounded,” Basiru explained.
He highlighted procedural errors in the Mark-led faction’s appeal, describing it as an interlocutory motion filed prematurely without leave from the trial court.
The Court of Appeal subsequently dismissed the appeal and instructed all parties to maintain the status quo and avoid actions that could interfere with ongoing proceedings.
Basiru also criticized the Mark-led faction’s claims of being the leading opposition party, noting recent electoral outcomes—including local government elections in the Federal Capital Territory—that suggest otherwise.
“Leadership of the opposition is earned through consistent electoral credibility and public trust, not press conferences or rhetoric,” he stressed.
He urged the ADC faction to seek judicial redress if it disagrees with INEC’s interpretation, warning that continuing with party congresses amid ongoing litigation reflects recklessness and a disregard for institutions and due process.
Basiru further condemned the calls for the removal of INEC officials, saying such demands demonstrate a lack of understanding of constitutional processes.
“The public defiant posture of Senator Mark and his faction against Court of Appeal orders and INEC’s implementation amounts to recklessness, irresponsibility, and self-help.
Proceeding with party congresses despite ongoing litigation demonstrates a troubling disregard for institutions and due process,” he said.
Basiru concluded that any attempts to blame the APC or President Tinubu for the consequences of the Mark-led faction’s actions are misplaced, emphasizing that external finger-pointing will not resolve the ADC’s internal crisis.