APC Slams David Mark Faction, Dismisses Allegations Against Tinubu, INEC as “Baseless Propaganda”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly refuted allegations made by a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by David Mark, describing them as “deliberate mischief” and “puerile propaganda.”

At a press briefing on Friday, the APC National Working Committee, through its National Secretary, Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, and the National Publicity Secretary and Felix Morka said, claims that Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections are unfounded and misleading.

The ruling party maintained that Nigeria currently has 19 registered political parties, stressing that the president has no constitutional authority to deregister any of them. It argued that the ADC’s internal crisis—not external interference—is responsible for its current predicament.

According to the APC, the leadership tussle within the ADC arose from what it described as an “untidy takeover” that excluded key stakeholders, leading to litigation at the Federal High Court and subsequent rulings at the Court of Appeal.

The party explained that the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal filed by the David Mark faction, citing procedural flaws, including failure to obtain leave for an interlocutory appeal and the premature nature of the case.

It added that the court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the substantive suit, a directive the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is implementing.

The APC dismissed accusations of bias against INEC, noting that the commission is merely complying with a valid court order. It advised the aggrieved faction to seek legal redress instead of resorting to public criticism.

The party also condemned calls by the ADC faction for the removal of the INEC Chairman and commissioners, describing the demand as “preposterous” and indicative of a poor understanding of constitutional processes.

The APC accused the David Mark-led faction of planning to proceed with party congresses and conventions despite ongoing litigation, warning that such actions could amount to contempt of court.

It stressed that court decisions remain binding until overturned and warned that any defiance could have legal consequences.

Urging the ADC to resolve its internal issues, the APC said opposition leadership cannot be claimed through press statements but must be earned through electoral performance and public trust.

The party pointed to previous political precedents, including electoral losses arising from internal disputes, as evidence that the rule of law—not political conspiracy—determines such outcomes.

“Their challenges are self-inflicted,” the APC stated, adding that blaming the ruling party or the presidency would not resolve the ADC’s internal crisis.

They reaffirmed the APC’s confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and dismissing claims of a looming threat to democracy as exaggerated and politically motivated.