APC Knocks ADC: President  Has No Power to Scrap Parties,Own Your Mess

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to allegations made by a faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Senator David Mark.

APC  said that the President does not possesses constitutional powers to deregister political parties.

The ruling party described the claims by the ADC as baseless, misleading, and legally untenable.

According to the APC, the assertions by the ADC faction,that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is weakening opposition parties to claims of bias by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) amount to nothing more than deliberate mischief and propaganda aimed at discrediting democratic institutions.

The APC emphasized that Nigeria currently has 19 registered political parties eligible to contest the 2027 general elections. 

It stressed that the President has no constitutional authority to deregister any political party or prevent any duly registered party from participating in elections.

The party further argued that the ADC’s internal crisis is self-inflicted, stemming from leadership disputes and procedural lapses in court, rather than any form of external interference.

It explained that the Court of Appeal dismissed the case filed by Senator David Mark’s faction on the basis of fundamental legal deficiencies, including lack of jurisdiction and failure to obtain the required leave of court.

The APC noted that the court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit before the Federal High Court, adding that INEC’s position merely reflects a lawful and faithful implementation of that directive.

The ruling party advised the aggrieved ADC faction to seek redress through appropriate legal channels if dissatisfied, rather than resorting to public accusations and media theatrics.

Defiant Stance on Convention

Criticizing the faction’s continued plans to conduct party congresses and conventions, the APC described such actions as a direct violation of subsisting court orders.

It warned that proceeding in defiance of judicial pronouncements constitutes illegality and poses a serious threat to democratic order and the rule of law.

“Their public defiance of court orders and institutional processes is reckless, irresponsible, and an affront to constitutional governance,” the APC stated.

The party further argued that calls for the removal of the INEC Chairman and national commissioners demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of constitutional provisions and due process.

The APC also dismissed the ADC faction’s claim to opposition leadership, insisting that political credibility must be earned through electoral performance and grassroots support, not through inflammatory rhetoric or media campaigns.

It pointed to the faction’s poor performance in recent elections as evidence of its limited political relevance and waning influence within the national political landscape.

The ruling party urged the ADC to focus on resolving its internal crises instead of attributing its challenges to external forces, emphasizing that adherence to the rule of law remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy.

It warned that any consequences arising from the faction’s actions would be the direct result of its own disregard for due process—not the influence or actions of the ruling party.