APC Dismisses ADC Allegations, Accuses ADC’s David Mark Faction of Defying Court Orders

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected claims by a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that President Bola Tinubu is weakening opposition parties, insisting the dispute stems from an internal leadership crisis already before the courts.

At a press briefing in Abuja today, APC Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka and National Secretary Ajibola Basiru described the allegations as “false and misleading,” noting that Nigeria operates a multi-party system with 19 registered parties and that the president has no constitutional authority to interfere in party structures.

Basiru said the crisis followed a recent ruling by the Court of Appeal which dismissed an appeal filed by a faction led by former Senate President David Mark over the ADC leadership tussle. “Quoting the judgment; suit number FCT-ABJ-1819-2025-B and is hereby granted accelerated hearing in view of the electoral timetable released by the first respondent” Basiru said the court held that the appeal was incompetent and ordered parties to “maintain the status quo ante bellum and refrain from taking any steps capable of foisting a fait accompli on the court,” while awarding ₦2 million in costs against the appellants.

He explained that the matter originated at the Federal High Court in Abuja before Justice Emeka Nwite, who declined to grant an ex parte application and instead directed parties to show cause. According to the APC, the appeal was filed prematurely while substantive issues were still pending before the trial court.

The party said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), acted in line with the appellate court’s directive by withholding recognition of any faction pending final determination of the case.

Basiru accused the Mark-led faction of acting in defiance of court orders by proceeding with plans for congresses and conventions despite ongoing litigation, describing such moves as a disregard for the rule of law and democratic norms. He also criticised calls by the faction for the removal of the INEC chairman and commissioners, saying the demands reflect a misunderstanding of constitutional processes.

The APC further dismissed the ADC faction’s claim to opposition relevance, citing its poor performance in recent by-elections and local government polls. It urged the group to seek redress through legal channels rather than public accusations that could undermine judicial proceedings.

In an addendum, Basiru criticised opposition figures Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, accusing them of frequently switching political parties for personal ambition. He contrasted this with what he described as consistency among APC leaders, citing himself, President Tinubu, and Bisi Akande as politicians who have remained within the same political tendency despite party mergers.

He maintained that political instability within opposition parties is largely self-inflicted and warned that any consequences arising from actions taken in defiance of court orders should not be blamed on the APC or the federal government.

ADC Crisis Deepens as Nafiu Bala Gombe Disputes ‘Resignation’, Accuses Mark Faction of Destabilisation

The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified following claims surrounding a disputed resignation letter allegedly linked to Nafiu Bala Gombe, a key figure in the party’s leadership tussle.

According to details emerging from the dispute, a resignation letter purportedly attributed to Gombe was said to have been dated May 17, 2025, with claims that it was later transmitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on August 12, 2025—a delay of nearly three months. The timeline has raised questions within political and legal circles, particularly as Gombe has denied authoring or signing the letter, insisting it is fraudulent and a subject of litigation before the court.

The controversy over the resignation forms a central part of the ongoing