- APC accused Atiku Abubakar and Rauf Aregbesola of fuelling the ADC crisis
- The party said opposition leaders had failed to take responsibility for internal disputes
- APC dismissed claims linking it to the crisis, urging the opposition to resolve its divisions
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Rauf Aregbesola, to take responsibility for the internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), dismissing attempts to blame the governing party.
The APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, made the remarks during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, on Sunday.
Morka alleged that the turmoil within the ADC stemmed from internal disputes triggered by the actions of opposition actors, particularly those aligned with Atiku Abubakar.
“The ADC legal trauma began following a suit brought by a party stalwart who felt cheated by these parachuting hijackers… who took over a party they have no idea where it came from,” he said.
He accused the opposition figures of mishandling the situation, including what he described as poor legal strategy in addressing the dispute. According to him, the party’s internal disagreements escalated into litigation, which was ultimately mismanaged.
“They took over the ADC with ignominy and treated those they met there with disdain and utter disrespect,” Morka added, noting that aggrieved members exercised their constitutional rights by seeking legal redress.
The APC spokesperson questioned why opposition leaders had failed to accept responsibility for the crisis, despite their extensive political experience.
“Why is it so difficult for a man who once sat as a vice president… and others who served as governors, ministers and Senate President to take responsibility?” he asked.
Morka insisted that the APC had no involvement in the ADC’s internal disputes, arguing that the opposition’s tendency to blame the ruling party reflected an unwillingness to address its own challenges.
“These people have not taken responsibility for any aspect… All they do is blame the APC,” he said.
His comments come amid heightened political activity within opposition circles following a recent summit in Ibadan, where prominent leaders discussed forming a united front ahead of future elections.
The gathering was part of broader efforts to build a coalition capable of challenging the APC in the next general election, with participants advocating for a single presidential candidate.
However, the ruling party has downplayed the significance of the initiative, maintaining that opposition groups must first resolve their internal divisions—particularly the leadership and legal disputes within the ADC—before presenting themselves as a credible alternative to voters.
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the APC and opposition parties as political alignments continue to shift in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
Oyo LG election gets new date as INEC revises 2027 electoral calendar
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) had shifted the date for the state’s local government elections to Tuesday, December 29, 2026.
According to the statement dated March 4, 2026, the adjustment followed a recent change in the national electoral timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The commission said the new date is intended to ensure efficient security deployment, improved logistics, and better voter participation.