APC asks INEC to deregister ADC over ‘serial electoral failures’

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday took a swipe at the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the party over what it described as its persistent failure to win elections.

The call came amid a deepening war of words between both parties following the ADC’s internal leadership crisis and recent electoral setbacks.

The embattled ADC National Chairman, David Mark, had on Thursday in Abuja accused the APC-led administration of attempting to stifle opposition parties and steering Nigeria towards a one-party state, particularly after INEC’s delisting of his leadership.

But responding at a press conference on Friday, APC National Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru, flanked by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, argued that the ADC no longer meets the threshold of a viable political party.

“In fact, I will suggest that the ADC should be deregistered. They have not won any election since the coalition came on board,” Bashiru said. He referenced the party’s poor outing in the recent FCT council elections and several by-elections nationwide.

Read also: Kwankwasiyya Movement demands INEC chairman’s resignation over ADC crisis, voter revalidation plan

Bashiru dismissed ADC’s claim of being a leading opposition force, insisting that Nigerians had consistently rejected the party at the polls.

He also dismissed the allegations that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was undermining opposition parties, noting that it was not the responsibility of the ruling party to resolve internal crises within rival platforms.

“It’s not the job of Presient Tinubu to help the opposition. It’s not my job as a politician to help other parties, if they want to sink. Ordinarily, I should help them to sink,” Bashiru said.

He further accused Mark and other ADC leaders of disregarding the rule of law by insisting to proceed with internal processes including congresses and national convention despite ongoing litigation at the Federal High Court, warning that such actions could worsen its internal instability.

The APC maintained that the ADC’s troubles are self-inflicted and described its call for the resignation of INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, and other commissioners as an abuse of leadership and democratic processes.

Bashiru also flayed key coalition figures, including former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, accusing them of political inconsistency, and alleging that they frequently switch parties in pursuit of power.

BusinessDay reports that the escalating exchanges underscore growing tensions within the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.