The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of generating conspiracy theories amid its leadership crisis.
On Thursday, ADC national chairman David Mark alleged that President Bola Tinubu is bent on dismantling opposition parties in Nigeria.
This followed a decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to no longer recognise the Mark and Nafiu Bala-led factions after reviewing a court of appeal judgment.
Responding, APC national publicity secretary Felix Morka said the ADC is the author of its own problems.
“Quite apart from being an assembly of Nigeria’s most confused and desperate politicians, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has distinguished itself as a peddler of rabid conspiracy theories about what the All Progressives Congress (APC) is or is not doing to undermine the party,” the statement reads.
He described the ADC as a party doomed by internal contradictions: “The ADC is a party that never was. By design, it was a kamikaze contraption with a ‘follow-come’ self-destructive detonator. It had to unravel and now unraveling fast by installment.”
Morka blamed the crisis on the factional leadership’s alleged takeover of the party in violation of its constitution: “When its factional leadership under the duo of David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola parachuted into the party like thoughtless and planless commandos, and hijacked the party in violent violation of its constitutional stipulations regarding leadership succession, and in disregard of the rule of law, the ADC set its own date with destiny.”
He also defended INEC’s decision:
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC’s) decision to de-recognize the factional David Mark-led executives in compliance with judgment of court, is valid in law, justified in fact, and consistent with electoral policy and democratic practice. It is the consequence of the Party’s reckless and desperate misadventure.”
Morka criticised the ADC for blaming the APC: “It is therefore highly escapist and irresponsible for the ADC to blame the APC for its internal woes of which they are the sole architects. A party that cannot fix itself cannot possibly fix Nigeria.”
He added that ADC’s focus on attacking the APC exposes its lack of ideas: “The ADC has absolutely nothing to offer more than its senseless attacks against the APC. Attacking the APC seems to be its cardinal commitment and manifesto. It is a party bereft of ideas and lost in vain desperation for power.”
Finally, he reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to governance: “Our great Party and the administration of President Bola Tinubu remain steadfast in delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda, and strengthening democratic institutions for peace, unity and prosperity of all Nigerians.”