The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the David Mark-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to adhere to due process and refrain from misleading Nigerians over the party’s ongoing leadership dispute.
APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, made the call while addressing journalists on Friday, insisting that the crisis within the ADC should be resolved through lawful means rather than public accusations.
“The predicament of David Mark and his faction stems from the untidy manner in which they assumed leadership of an existing political party without consulting all stakeholders,” he said.
Basiru explained that the dispute has led to ongoing litigation, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s decision to withhold recognition of the Mark-led executives aligns with a valid court directive.
According to him, INEC acted in compliance with a court order mandating all parties to maintain the status quo pending the final determination of the case.
The APC also dismissed allegations by the ADC faction that President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party were behind their challenges, describing the claims as baseless.
Basiru rejected suggestions that the current administration is working toward establishing a one-party state, stressing that multiple political parties remain active and eligible to contest elections.
“Leadership of the opposition is earned through consistent electoral credibility and public trust, not press conferences or rhetoric,” he stated.
He further criticised the procedural approach of the Mark-led faction, noting that its appeal was prematurely filed without proper authorisation from the trial court, leading to its dismissal by the Court of Appeal.
The APC chieftain warned that actions such as proceeding with party congresses despite ongoing litigation could undermine democratic institutions and the rule of law.
“Proceeding with such activities in defiance of court orders demonstrates a disregard for due process and institutional authority,” he said.
Basiru also faulted calls for the removal of the INEC chairman and commissioners, describing such demands as unconstitutional and undemocratic.
“Decisions within INEC are collective, not unilateral for their removal show a lack of understanding of constitutional processes,” he added.
He advised the ADC faction to seek redress through the courts if dissatisfied, rather than resorting to public confrontation.
Basiru warned that continued disregard for legal procedures could lead to consequences that should not be blamed on external forces, emphasising that internal party disputes must be resolved within the framework of the law.
