…Says party must resolve internal
disputes instead of blaming APC and judiciary
The Lagos State chapter of the
All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the African Democratic Congress
(ADC) of creating its own leadership crisis, describing the unfolding political
developments within the opposition party as a case of political self-destruction.
The party's spokesman in Lagos
State, Mogaji (Hon.) Seye Oladejo, made the remarks while reacting to the
leadership controversy rocking the ADC following a recent Federal High Court
judgment that nullified the Senator David Mark-led interim leadership structure
and consequential decisions taken under its authority.
In a statement dated November 7,
2026, Oladejo argued that the ADC had failed to address fundamental internal
disagreements and was instead attempting to shift responsibility for its
predicament to the ruling APC and the judiciary.
He noted that the court judgment
had introduced considerable uncertainty into the ADC's political arrangements
ahead of the 2027 general elections, including the process that produced former
Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its presidential candidate.
According to the APC spokesman,
the crisis was rooted in unresolved disagreements over leadership succession,
party authority and internal governance, which should have been addressed
through established party procedures.
Oladejo maintained that political
parties must operate within the provisions of their constitutions and the laws
of the country, insisting that internal democracy should not merely be a
campaign slogan used against political opponents.
He said it was contradictory for
a party aspiring to govern Nigeria to struggle with managing its own internal
affairs in accordance with established rules and democratic principles.
On the judiciary's involvement,
the Lagos APC spokesman urged the ADC to pursue its legal options rather than
portray an unfavourable judgment as evidence of political interference or
conspiracy.
He stressed that the independence
of the judiciary should not be measured by whether its decisions favour the
political interests of particular individuals or organisations.
"If the ADC disagrees with
the judgment, the appropriate response is to pursue its appeal through the
judicial hierarchy," Oladejo stated, adding that unfavourable judicial
outcomes should not automatically become grounds for questioning the integrity
of the courts.
He also dismissed allegations of
APC involvement in the ADC's internal disagreements, questioning how the ruling
party could be held responsible for leadership disputes and litigation
initiated by members of the opposition party.
Oladejo specifically referenced
the case brought before the court by Nafiu Bala Gombe, describing the judgment
as the outcome of a judicial process arising from the ADC's internal affairs
rather than an executive action by the APC.
The APC spokesman further argued
that the ADC's difficulties exposed the dangers of building a political
coalition around prominent personalities and presidential ambitions without
first establishing a functional and acceptable institutional structure.
According to him, successful
political coalitions require trust, internal cohesion, transparent
decision-making, constitutional compliance and a clear understanding of how
leadership responsibilities are distributed.
He suggested that the ADC had
prioritised providing a political platform for prominent opposition figures
without adequately resolving questions surrounding party ownership, leadership
succession and institutional legitimacy.
Oladejo also criticised reported
threats by some ADC state and local government chairmen to organise nationwide
protests against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the
leadership dispute.
He maintained that although
peaceful protest remained a constitutional right, it should not be used to
intimidate independent institutions or pressure them into taking decisions
outside the law.
He urged the opposition party to
concentrate on resolving its internal disagreements, exploring available legal
remedies and rebuilding confidence among its members rather than escalating
political confrontations.
Reaffirming the APC's position,
Oladejo said the ruling party remained committed to democratic competition and
recognised the importance of a credible opposition in strengthening Nigeria's
democratic system.
He added that the APC was
confident in its political organisation and the democratic mandate of President
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that the party was prepared to compete with
opposition platforms through ideas, policies, performance and electoral persuasion.
The Lagos APC spokesman concluded
that the ADC crisis should serve as a lesson on the importance of institutional
discipline, internal democracy and respect for the rule of law.
He maintained that Nigeria
deserved an opposition capable of demonstrating organisational discipline and
democratic accountability rather than one constantly embroiled in internal
disagreements.
**"Political suicide is
often not inflicted by one's opponents. Sometimes, it is the inevitable
consequence of one's own choices,"** Oladejo concluded.
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